Comments on: You’ve got real estate questions, we’ve got answers! http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/ Seattle's Leading Resource for Real Estate Information Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:01:18 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Dustin http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-111406 Dustin Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:25:37 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-111406 Jordan, I don't know the answer to your question... I'm hoping someone else with more knowledge on development will jump in here! :) Jordan,

I don’t know the answer to your question… I’m hoping someone else with more knowledge on development will jump in here! :)

]]> By: Jordan http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-111340 Jordan Mon, 19 Mar 2007 04:09:14 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-111340 Question. I recently ran across a piece of property that has potential under the current zoning codes and in terms of logistics to subdivide into 3 pieces of land leaving a house on one lot and two buildable vacant lots. My question is how far along in the process can you usually get before the first mortgage company will want you to refinance. I'm sure they won't let you go all the way to subdividing because that creates new deeds and what not? I'm trying to figure out what type of money will be needed and how far I can get with a large first mortage on the piece of property as it stands now. Question. I recently ran across a piece of property that has potential under the current zoning codes and in terms of logistics to subdivide into 3 pieces of land leaving a house on one lot and two buildable vacant lots. My question is how far along in the process can you usually get before the first mortgage company will want you to refinance. I’m sure they won’t let you go all the way to subdividing because that creates new deeds and what not? I’m trying to figure out what type of money will be needed and how far I can get with a large first mortage on the piece of property as it stands now.

]]> By: ARDELL http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2252 ARDELL Fri, 24 Feb 2006 03:33:03 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2252 Absolutely yes, Claire. Plenty of condos in your price range in the Pike Place Market area. When the sun comes out and it gets a little warmer, the new listings will begin peeking their noses out. Absolutely yes, Claire. Plenty of condos in your price range in the Pike Place Market area. When the sun comes out and it gets a little warmer, the new listings will begin peeking their noses out.

]]> By: Claire http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2251 Claire Fri, 24 Feb 2006 02:14:31 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2251 Great info all around. I'll be FAT if I move to near Pike Place, though it certainly is tempting, particularly as I am a serious foodie! Wonder if I'd be able to find somethng in my range there.....A veritable embarassment of riches when one considers that I need at least 800K to buy a 1 br apt I would want here in Manhattan. In any event, the move's happening, but I've still got to line up the actual job, so no real house-hunting yet. Just laying the groundwork. I assume, however, that whatever deal I work with my new employer will include some sort of relo package and, perhaps, a short-term rental while I house-hunt. I will most definitely take you all up on your offers of contacts, but don't want this cart TOO far before this horse. If Seattle people are all this helpful, I am definitely moving to the right city!! Great info all around. I’ll be FAT if I move to near Pike Place, though it certainly is tempting, particularly as I am a serious foodie! Wonder if I’d be able to find somethng in my range there…..A veritable embarassment of riches when one considers that I need at least 800K to buy a 1 br apt I would want here in Manhattan.

In any event, the move’s happening, but I’ve still got to line up the actual job, so no real house-hunting yet. Just laying the groundwork. I assume, however, that whatever deal I work with my new employer will include some sort of relo package and, perhaps, a short-term rental while I house-hunt. I will most definitely take you all up on your offers of contacts, but don’t want this cart TOO far before this horse. If Seattle people are all this helpful, I am definitely moving to the right city!!

]]> By: Dustin http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2250 Dustin Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:55:45 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2250 In reading Ardell's comment, I was reminded that Craig had wonderful things to say about <a href="http://www.raincityguide.com/2006/02/02/romancing-the-city-home/" rel="nofollow">living near Pike Place Market</a>. Definitely a good option! Before Anna and I moved up to Seattle, we did a short-term rental (month-to-month) that worked out well. Claire, if you're interested, I'd be more than happy to pass some contacts along to you of people who offer this service! And assuming living on the Eastside is an option, Downtown Kirkland is another place that might work out well! In reading Ardell’s comment, I was reminded that Craig had wonderful things to say about living near Pike Place Market. Definitely a good option!

Before Anna and I moved up to Seattle, we did a short-term rental (month-to-month) that worked out well. Claire, if you’re interested, I’d be more than happy to pass some contacts along to you of people who offer this service!

And assuming living on the Eastside is an option, Downtown Kirkland is another place that might work out well!

]]> By: ARDELL http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2248 ARDELL Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:49:42 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2248 Claire, having spent a lot of time in NYC in my "youth", I would recommend the Pike Place Market area or Fremont. I am personally partial to the Green Lake area, but that may not be busy enough for you, but very nice none-the-less. Over here in Kirkland you can get a three month rental, then month to month. Expect there are such arrangements in Seattle. Anna may know of some on that side of the Lake. This gives you three months to check out areas before you make a large investment. I often recommend this to those new to the area. It takes the pressure off. Claire, having spent a lot of time in NYC in my “youth”, I would recommend the Pike Place Market area or Fremont. I am personally partial to the Green Lake area, but that may not be busy enough for you, but very nice none-the-less.

Over here in Kirkland you can get a three month rental, then month to month. Expect there are such arrangements in Seattle. Anna may know of some on that side of the Lake. This gives you three months to check out areas before you make a large investment. I often recommend this to those new to the area. It takes the pressure off.

]]> By: Dustin http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2245 Dustin Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:34:44 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2245 One other thing just occurred to me... I kind of glossed over your price range because you should have no problem finding a really nice condo for that price in just about any neighborhood in Seattle. If you want help finding a good real estate agent, I should also let you know that Anna is more than happy to recommend one to you. She's currently taking care of our 5-week old boy, so she's not ready to show condos, but she's finding people moving to Seattle have really appreciated her ability to <a href="http://www.raincityguide.com/for-buyers/">hook them up with an agent</a> that is suited to their needs! Best! One other thing just occurred to me… I kind of glossed over your price range because you should have no problem finding a really nice condo for that price in just about any neighborhood in Seattle.

If you want help finding a good real estate agent, I should also let you know that Anna is more than happy to recommend one to you. She’s currently taking care of our 5-week old boy, so she’s not ready to show condos, but she’s finding people moving to Seattle have really appreciated her ability to hook them up with an agent that is suited to their needs!

Best!

]]> By: Claire http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2244 Claire Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:25:15 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2244 Thanks, Dustin, for your input. Quite helpful! I'm well aware that SEA isn't NYC, and frankly, am THRILLED at the prospect of the change. And, the more I think about it, the more I think that moving somewhere that's supposed to somehow "seem" like Manhattan will just be a let-down. Better possibly to focus on what would be relatively lively, walkable Seattle neighboroods that aren't complete bedroom communities. I also clicked on your link above and also found the "Walkable Neighborhoods" piece. Definitely food for thought. :) Thanks, Dustin, for your input. Quite helpful! I’m well aware that SEA isn’t NYC, and frankly, am THRILLED at the prospect of the change. And, the more I think about it, the more I think that moving somewhere that’s supposed to somehow “seem” like Manhattan will just be a let-down. Better possibly to focus on what would be relatively lively, walkable Seattle neighboroods that aren’t complete bedroom communities. I also clicked on your link above and also found the “Walkable Neighborhoods” piece. Definitely food for thought. :)

]]> By: Dustin http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2243 Dustin Fri, 24 Feb 2006 01:01:06 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2243 Claire, It sounds like you should be looking for a home in NY! ;) For better or worse, Seattle doesn't have a neighborhood that has the same hussle and bussle of Downtown life as NY. In many ways, I'm sure that people were recommending Belltown because of its promise (there is a lot of new construction both planned and being built). On a random, but related note, I spent the day working with some people from the City trying to help them figure out how to configure Westlake Avenue to handle this growth! In Seattle, you will likely have to settle for a more subtle city-life, but there is definitely life out there! Consider the <a href="http://www.raincityguide.com/2006/01/29/walkable-neighborhood-capitol-hill/" rel="nofollow"> Capitol Hill neighborhood</a>. Other great spots to consider Fremont and Downtown Ballard. Both offer night-life opportunities, but in a laid-back Seattle-style. Does this help? I'm sure some others will give some (better?) advice here in the near future! Claire,

It sounds like you should be looking for a home in NY! ;)

For better or worse, Seattle doesn’t have a neighborhood that has the same hussle and bussle of Downtown life as NY. In many ways, I’m sure that people were recommending Belltown because of its promise (there is a lot of new construction both planned and being built). On a random, but related note, I spent the day working with some people from the City trying to help them figure out how to configure Westlake Avenue to handle this growth!

In Seattle, you will likely have to settle for a more subtle city-life, but there is definitely life out there! Consider the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Other great spots to consider Fremont and Downtown Ballard. Both offer night-life opportunities, but in a laid-back Seattle-style.

Does this help? I’m sure some others will give some (better?) advice here in the near future!

]]> By: Claire http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2242 Claire Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:49:48 +0000 http://raincityguide.com/2006/02/22/youve-got-real-estate-questions-weve-got-answers/#comment-2242 OK, I need help in deciding on neighborhoods. I'm moving to Seattle from NYC. I'm late 30's, professional, single, social, outdoorsy (ugh, now I sound like a posting on match.com!) and am used to the hustle and bustle of downtown life. As a point of reference, I live(d) in the E/W Village and Gramercy Park in Manhattan. I had been directed towards Belltown, but when was recently in your fair city, found the streets to be rather quiet. I like being out and about and seeing people on the streets, in cafes, etc. Let's assume that I have between $350 and $450K to spend and that cool neighborhood trumps space and investment value in terms of priorities. Did I get the wrong impression of Belltown? Where's the best place for me to live? OK, I need help in deciding on neighborhoods. I’m moving to Seattle from NYC. I’m late 30’s, professional, single, social, outdoorsy (ugh, now I sound like a posting on match.com!) and am used to the hustle and bustle of downtown life. As a point of reference, I live(d) in the E/W Village and Gramercy Park in Manhattan. I had been directed towards Belltown, but when was recently in your fair city, found the streets to be rather quiet. I like being out and about and seeing people on the streets, in cafes, etc. Let’s assume that I have between $350 and $450K to spend and that cool neighborhood trumps space and investment value in terms of priorities. Did I get the wrong impression of Belltown? Where’s the best place for me to live?

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