Market Trends and Statistics January 29, 2018

Quarterly Report – South Snohomish County

Price growth was particularly strong in 2017! Median was up 14% and average price up 12% over 2016. Median price in 2017 landed at $508,000 and the average at $543,000. The average amount of days it took to sell a house in 2017 was 24 days, which is 17% faster than 2016. The average list-to-sale price ratio over the last year was 101%, with the spring months as high as 103%! In 2017, inventory growth continued to be a challenge, with a 1% decrease in new listings compared to 2016. Even with inventory limitations there were 4% more sales! This phenomenon illustrates strong buyer demand and a need for more listings.

Median Price up 14%, Average Price up 12% Year-Over-Year

South Snohomish County real estate has seen a steady stream of buyers come our way due to affordability, reasonable commute times to job centers and quality of life. In fact, the median price in 2017 was 41% higher in north King County. Historically low interest rates continue to drive the market as well, they have helped offset the increase in prices. Sellers are enjoying great returns due to this phenomenon and buyers are securing mortgages with minor debt service.

This is only a snapshot of the trends in south Snohomish County; please contact me if you would like further explanation of how the latest trends relate to you.

Matthew Gardner Economic ReportsMonthly Newsletter January 10, 2018

Matthew Gardner’s 2018 Housing Forecast

In a nutshell, here is Matthew Gardner’s 2018 Housing Forecast. If you want to read his forecast in more detail, click here: http://bit.ly/2Cx1oSG

BothellNeighborhood Profiles March 7, 2017

New Construction in Bothell: Developments to Keep Your Eye On

Bothell’s long list of excellent amenities, city conveniences, and central location ensures that it’s a highly desirable place to live. As a result, Bothell is also currently home to a myriad of new developments and new construction!

“There’s lots of new homes in Bothell ranging from $499,000 to over a million,” shares fellow realtor Tonya T. And in addition to new construction, you can also expect to find a range of entry-level townhomes, split-levels, ramblers, older homes, and homes on lots of land as well.

Bothell new construction project

Here are a couple of new construction developments in Bothell to keep your eye on:

Bothell new construction projectToscana by Village Life 

Homes range from $900,000 to $1M

Located near Country Village, Toscana is brimming with luxury Craftsman-style homes that offer large floor plans (ranging from 2,832 to 3,860 square feet) and quality, modern finishes. The neighborhood includes 23 homes with 7 floorplans to choose from, and residents get to enjoy sidewalk-lined streets, a community park, a picnic shelter, and Northshore Schools.


Normandie Woods by Sundquist Homes

Homes begin in the $600,000s

Conveniently located near Interstate-5 and 405 and the Mill Creek Town Center, Normandie Woods showcases gorgeous homes that blend classic details and modern elements. There are 54 homes in Normandie Woods, and residents live in the Edmonds School District.


Here are several examples of new construction in Bothell:

Sundquist Homes new construction Bothell
Rosewood, Village Life new construction Bothell

New construction Bothell

New construction Bothell

Rosewood new construction Bothell

Rosewood new construction Bothell

BothellNeighborhood Profiles March 7, 2017

7 Must-Visit Restaurants in Bothell (Plus Happy Hour Tips & Why Locals Love Each One!)

If you’re looking for a fun date night restaurant or just a laid-back spot to grab some delicious eats, Bothell has got you covered! Home to several dining establishments with mouthwatering menus and some excellent happy hours, Bothell has everything from sushi and Italian to pubs and American breakfasts.

Here are a few restaurants that come highly recommended by locals:

Bothell Alexa's Cafe

Alexa’s Cafe

Located at 10115 Main St. Bothell, WA

Nestled in a charming 1927-built brick building, Alexa’s Cafe is a neighborhood staple! “We love Alexa’s on main street!” shares Tonya T, and Jen B recommends the sweet spot for brunch.

Their extensive breakfast menu is filled with classics like breakfast sandwiches, “bennys,” pancakes and French toast, and scrambles, and their lunch menu is a mouthwatering selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, wraps, and much more.

Need catering for your event? Becky L recommends checking out Alexa’s catering options whether you’re catering a business lunch or a wedding rehearsal dinner.


Bothell Grazie RestaurantGrazie Ristorante

Located at 23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy Bothell, WA 98021

If you’re craving Italian, Jen B recommends heading to Grazie Ristorante for pizza, lasagna, cannelloni, and other Italian specialties.

“[Grazie’s serves] great dinners with an extensive wine list and happy hour with live music weekly!” recommends Becky L. Enjoy daily happy hours from opening to 6pm and take advantage of half-price appetizers, wine, beer, and drink specials. As Becky mentioned, Grazie also hosts live music, and you can view their schedule of events here.


Uncle Peteza’s Pizzeria

Located at 228th & Meridian

Located Safeway Plaza 24118 Bothell-Everett Hwy Bothell, WA 98012

“We LOVE Uncle Peteza’s Pizzeria!” shares Melissa Huddleston. “They have two locations—one on 228th and Meridian, and one in the Safeway Plaza off of 241st and Bothell Everett Hwy. Their crust is the best! They have deep dish, thin crust, and, wait for it – STUFFED CRUST! My favorite is the veggie pizza and Chris’ is the Meatsa. They also have cheesy bread, wings, oven baked sandwiches, pasta, calzones, and salads. Yum!!! Now I’m hungry!!”

Melissa’s right—Uncle Peteza’s Pizzeria’s incredible pizza selection is sure to make everyone in your dining party happy! They also have gluten-free pizza, soup, bottomless soda, and a convenient rewards program.


Sushi Hana

Located at 2020 Maltby Road Suite 2 Bothell, WA 98021

Sushi Hana, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant at Thrasher’s Corner, is one of our favorites. When you don’t want to cook and the kids are starving and you don’t want to wait to order at a sit-down restaurant, this speedy sushi joint is the ticket! Large booths for groups of 6 or bar stools at the belt offer lots of seating. Always great service and good quality sushi,” shares Jen B.

Sushi Hana is truly dedicated to quality—their conveyor belt-style sushi utilizes RFID technology to monitor the dishes on their conveyor belt, and no dish is allowed to be in circulation for more than 2 hours.

Sushi Hana serves up dozens of dishes, from classic nigiri to more unique sushi rolls. “In addition to traditional sushi, they have small plates of strawberries, green grapes, and Mochi ice cream for dessert! They also serve bottled sake, beer and wine,” shares Jen. We recommend taking a look at their menu here!


Bothell Three Lions PubThe Three Lions Pub

Located at 10111 Main Street Bothell WA, 98011

Lion’s Pub on main is always good for watching sports and enjoying beers and pub food,” advises Tonya T. And when Tonya says “pub food,” she really means it—Lion’s Pub serves up classic English pub dishes like classic fish & chips, Lancashire Pasty, sausage rolls, steak & mushroom pie, steak & kidney pie, bangers & mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and much more!

Plus, enjoy happy hours every weekday from 4-6pm and on weekends from 3-6pm. Take advantage of their deals on well drinks, wine, draft beer, and cider.


Amaro Bistro

Located at 18333 Bothell Way NE #105 Bothell, WA 98011

Becky L loves Amaro Bistro for their great meals, awesome happy hour, and the fact that it’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion. Brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, drinks and more are all served at this popular Italian bistro, and their extensive wine menu is truly impressive. Plus, Amaro is also family-friendly and has a special kid’s menu.

Enjoy daily happy hour deals from 3pm-6pm and 10pm to midnight, and take advantage of their lunch special of 2 courses for $16!


Preservation Kitchen

Located at 17121 Bothell Way NE Bothell WA 98011  

Preservation Kitchen offers an exquisite seasonal menu. They’re dedicated to supporting local businesses, and they use sustainable and organic ingredients whenever they can.

Tonya especially recommends their amazing polenta fries and their good wine selection, but menus change based on the season, so check out their website every now and then! We also highly recommend their happy hour. From 2-6pm daily, enjoy a large selection of appetizers, $7 cocktails, and discounts on beer and wine. See the complete happy hour menu here.


Bothell is packed with incredible places to eat, and we included a few other favorites below:

BothellNeighborhood Profiles March 7, 2017

4 Fabulous Ways to Spend a Weekend in Bothell

A destination for locals and out-of-towners alike, Bothell’s wide variety of opportunities for fun and entertainment make it a top choice for those looking for a memorable weekend experience! Nestled in a prime location that’s surrounded by beautiful outdoors and some of the most popular attractions in the region, it’s not hard to be entertained in Bothell.

Check out our 4 ideas for how to spend a fabulous weekend in Bothell:


McMenamins: Hotel, Dining, Bars, Movies & More

McMenamins Anderson School is a great spot! There are lots of options, but a favorite place is to grab a drink and sit outside near the fire pits, or they have outdoor tables that are under cover with heaters for the cold/wet days. Whether you’re just looking for dinner and a movie or searching for an overnight getaway, McMenamins’ Anderson School in Bothell has your dining and entertainment needs covered! This one-stop-shop is located in a converted school, and hotel rooms are located in converted classrooms.

During your stay, visit the Principal’s Office for a drink, enjoy outdoor seating at the Tavern on the Square, take advantage of the Anderson School Theater Bar (order burgers, brews, popcorn, and candy and have it delivered to your table during the movie!), and much more. We recommend checking out their website for room package offerings, a schedule of special events, and more details on accommodations.


Woodinville Wine Country: Sip & Shop

Located right next door to Woodinville, Bothell’s close proximity to this wine capital make it a popular destination for wine lovers. Woodinville is home to a whopping 108 wineries and tasting rooms, 8 microbreweries, distilleries & cideries, and 26 different dining spots! With so many wineries to choose from, it can be a bit daunting, but we recommend checking out Woodinville Wine Country’s website for a guide to Woodinville’s different districts as well as a list of wineries and a special passport that can get you discounts. For those hoping to stay the weekend, there’s also a guide on hotels and bed & breakfasts available for your convenience.

When the sun comes out, biking from downtown on the Sammamish River Trail and finding a glass of wine is a great way to enjoy at the plethora of wineries. Listening to music at the popular Chateau Ste Michelle, is a great way to spend a summer evening. The winery is home to some delicious wines in addition to a summer concert series that attracts big names like Josh Groban and John Legend.


Country Village

Whether you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment or heading out with a group of adults for a night on the town, Country Village offers a whimsical setting to explore and enjoy! Discover charming ponds, restaurants, and shops with gifts, home decor, toys, antiques, and much more. Home to almost 40 shops, we recommend setting aside at least an entire day to explore the scene!

Country Village is also home to several events throughout the year—enjoy beer walks, wine walks, “Ladies Night Out” events, and other more adult-friendly events alongside seasonal happenings for kids like Cookies with Mrs. Claus, Gingerbread House Weekend, Wizard Fest, Meet the Easter Bunny, and much more.

Also, from June through September each year, take advantage of the Country Village Farmers Market! Located in the center parking lot, this dynamic expanse of vendors features dozens of stands, fresh local produce, handmade items, live music, and much more. View farmers market dates and a list of vendors here.


Brewery Tour

Beer is a big deal in the Pacific Northwest, and Bothell’s long list of breweries sets the perfect scene for a weekend brewery tour!

  • Watts Brewing Company: This nano brewery names their accessible beers after bees, and each release is only brewed once.
  • Decibel Brewing Co: Kids, pets, and outside food are welcome at this establishment!
  • The Hop and Hound: Enjoy at least a dozen fresh beers on tap, plus Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee on NITRO, and different food trucks every Friday.
  • Foggy Noggin Brewing: As one of the world’s smallest production breweries, Foggy Noggin offers fresh beers in their Bothell tasting room (bring a growler!).
  • Nine Yards Brewing: This all ages spot is located right off of the Burke Gilman trail, making it a great option when you need to stop and cool down.

Try stopping at 192 Brewing Co. or Cairn Brewing, and combining it with a day of riding your bike along the Burke Gilman or along Lake Washington. Break for a picnic along the way!

BothellNeighborhood Profiles March 7, 2017

Unique Ways to Stay Active in Bothell: Bike Trails, Trampolines, & Water Sports

Feeling a bit tired of heading to the gym as usual? Need some inspiration? Staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and luckily for Bothell residents, there are plenty of unique ways for staying active!

While Bothell is definitely home to some great gyms (Orange Theory and Fusion Hot Yoga are recommended in Canyon Park for major calorie-burning workouts!), we also recommend checking out these other options for something that’s extra fun, entertaining, and active:


Elevated Sportz Bothell

Elevated Sportz

Located at 18311 Bothell Everett Hwy Suite 140, Bothell WA 98012

Elevated Sportz in North Bothell is the best rainy day exercise you can get,” sayslocal Jen B. “Their weekly schedule offers variety of activities for kids and adults. Trampoline dodgeball anyone? They have a food counter where you can fuel up, too. Even better yet, NO MEMBERSHIP required. My toddler loves the daily 10am-12:30pm Hoppy Hour in the three level Adventure Zone that’s perfect for little kids to explore and play in a padded environment!”

Kids and adults alike love Elevated Sportz, and their dynamic range of offerings ensures there’s always something new to check out! In addition to the events that Jen mentioned, Elevated Sportz hosts a Lazer Club Night for teens, an all-ages Cosmic Night laser party, Lazer Maze Challenge, homeschool meetups, Special Needs days, and more! Plus, you can host birthday parties, team parties, or even rent out the entire facility for your special event.

Check out pricing and take a look at the different play areas offered here.


Park at Bothell Landing

The Park at Bothell Landing

Located at 9919 NE 180th St Bothell, WA 98011at N Bothell Way

“The Park at Bothell Landing offers a little known boat launch along the Sammamish River, where you can put in your kayak, canoe or paddle board to take advantage of an outdoor ‘gym’ that will cost you nothing,” recommends local Claudette M. “Whether your goal is an energizing early morning paddle, an after work recharge, or an all-day workout, you’ll burn calories surrounded by beautiful scenery. Head west if your destination is Lake Washington. For a much longer paddle, you can head southeast to Lake Sammamish, maybe with a pit stop at Redhook Brewery along the way.”

Great tips, Claudette! Not only does The Park at Bothell Landing offer the opportunity to stay active, but it’s also a lovely place to spend time with family or friends at. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!

Park at Bothell Landing


Burke Gilman Trail Bothell

Burke-Gilman Trail

More than 18 miles long, the Burke-Gilman Trail extends from Shilshole Bay in Seattle all the way to the City of Bothell. This incredible amenity not only offers a paved surface for joggers, walkers, skaters, strollers, and bikers, but it’s also a popular commuting option as well!

Recently, the trail has be undergoing some updates, here are some details:

In addition to the Burke Gilman Trail, the North Creek Trail expansion will connect the North Creek Park in Bothell to the Burke Gilman Trail. The new expansion will extend from 183rd St SE to SR 524 and will include an elevated walkway 20-40 feet above ground.

This section of the trail will be located between Sprague Drive and 192nd St SE. The timeframe of completion according to the Snohomish County website is still to be determined. On warm summer days, you’ll be able to ride a bike into Woodinville Wine Country!

You can view a map of the entire trail here, complete with information on road access points. We recommend planning your trip ahead of time and stopping at one of the beautiful, scenic parks along the way!

BothellNeighborhood Profiles March 7, 2017

Bothell

Bothell neighborhood

Welcome to Bothell!

Known for its excellent schools and treasured for being in a central location that’s close to attractions and amenities in the area, Bothell is a city of true convenience. Located just north of Kirkland and right next to wine country in Woodinville, Interstate 405 runs right through Bothell making it easy to get around the region.

Home to a long list of fabulous restaurants and some top-notch shopping, Bothell’s offerings ensure you don’t have to go far to find what you need. The same can be said for entertainment, fun weekend activities, and getaways—from parks and community activities to weekends in wine country or at McMenamins, Bothell is a hub of fun and play for people of all ages!

Bothell’s many premium amenities make it a desirable place to live, and it’s no surprise that the city is experiencing a great deal of new construction. From entry-level townhomes and ramblers to older homes with lots of land and luxury homes over $1 million, Bothell has a wide range of real estate to choose from.


Getting Out & About

Country Village

“Country Village is fun to wander around!” recommends local, Tonya T.

There are antique shops, boutiques of all kinds, a bead shop, fabric store, wedding dress shop, restaurants and cafes. Services include voice lessons, life coaching, a spa. Outside, the village looks a bit like the most charming bits of a farm, complete with chickens and ducks padding around the grounds.

Grazie Restaurant

 When it comes to dining in Bothell, local, Jen B has a long list of recommendations: “Grazie’s, Hana Sushi, Panera! [I recommend] Alexa’s for brunch and Jalisco’s or Passion Tequila for Mexican. Also, Beardslee Public House, which is John Howie’s first venture outside of Bellevue.”

Jen also loves shopping at the new PCC in Canyon Park:

“Gotta love the Anderson School (McMenamin’s). The salt water swimming pool is open air and like a hot spring in the winter; lots of dining options and family friendly pubs, outdoor seating with heaters; [they even have] a movie theater that serves beer.” – Sam A.

Bothell is also home to a branch of University of Washington. “[There are] good schools and college options in your backyard!” shares Becky L.


Commuting from Bothell

“[Bothell residents commute mainly by car], but you can bike into Seattle on the Burke Gilman and to Redmond on the Sammamish River Trail from downtown.” –  Tonya T.

“They are building the rest of the North Creek Trail that will meet up from Mill Creek to the Burke Gilman so biking may become even more popular!” – Melissa H.


 Homes in Bothell

What types of homes you can expect to find in Bothell? There’s lots of] new construction, and entry level townhomes, $1M+ homes, homes by national and local builders, split levels, ramblers, and big lots, too.

Home buyers can expect to find new construction and older homes with lots of land.