Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Copy Link
Here Come the Trains
flickr/Zack Heistand
If you’ve been out-and-about between downtown Bellevue and Redmond in recent weeks you’ve likely seen light rail trains on daily practice runs. On two occasions this week I’ve stopped at crossings to let trains pass.
Trains will start running on regular schedules with passengers this spring connecting the South Bellevue station and Redmond Technology station. In the next year or so the “2 Line” will connect Redmond and Bellevue to Mercer Island and Seattle.
After years of construction it is exciting to see trains running on tracks along roadways and overpasses. Drivers and pedestrians will need to be aware of train crossings, so keep in mind:
–trains run in both directions, so always look both ways before crossing
–when driving, stay alert and observe crossing markers, lights and traffic arms
–when walking, stay alert, especially if wearing headphones or focusing on a tech screen
–use designated crosswalks and pay attention to crossing signals
–bike riders remember to cross tracks at a 90 degree angle to prevent getting stuck
It’s been a long time coming, but light rail is going to bring an efficient and exciting new way to commute to the eastside.
What are Buyer Broker Services Agreements?
Real estate, and the laws surrounding it, is constantly changing. Beginning January 1st of this year, the State of Washington now requires that home buyers sign a Buyer Broker Services Agreement when working with a licensed broker in their search for a home.
While it sounds like a big change, Buyer Broker Services Agreements have been in use for some time; the main difference is that now they are legally mandated. Like seller agreements (the listing contract), which have long been required, the buyer agreement provides important protections for all parties involved in a real estate transaction.
Buyer Broker Services Agreements carry many benefits. They protect you from conflicts of interest, require your broker to follow specific professional guidelines and provides transparency about your broker’s legal duties and compensation. All of this adds up to enhanced clarity up front when working with a broker to purchase a home. Windermere has always encouraged the use of buyer agency agreements and now they’ll be the norm for all real estate companies and licensed brokers statewide.
If you have questions about this change, the real estate market in your community, or other real estate topics, don’t hesitate to contact me.
BELLEVUE TOWERS – love where you live
Recently available, this SE corner residence offers the perfect urban lifestyle. Live just blocks from Bellevue’s business district, shopping and dining, arts and entertainment venues, parks and light rail stations.
The generous floor plan has quality finishes throughout with an open concept design that provides plenty of space for living, dining, entertaining or working from home. A well equipped kitchen with ample work and storage space is sure to please any level chef. The primary bedroom opens to a luxury bath and large customized closet and a second bedroom and full bath serve family or guest needs.
Owner amenities include a secure lobby entry with full time concierge plus multiple indoor and outdoor amenities. Take advantage of the private urban park with fireplace, lounging and dining areas, rooftop terraces, multi-level indoor lounge, fitness studios, whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms, private dining room, screening/media room and guest suites. Four legged family members will appreciate the dedicated dog relief/play area.
https://tours.dennonvisuals.co/2186836
2 bedrooms + study/1.75 baths
1,575 square feet
secure garage parking + storage
$1,500,000
For additional information . . .
Robin Myers
425/417-8137 robinmyers@windermere.com
Downtown Bellevue Pop-Up Dog Park
courtesy flickr/Jelene Morris
Have you visited Wildwood Park just south of Main Street in recent weeks? You may have noticed one of three new pop-up dog parks.
Bellevue Parks & Community Services has launched a pilot program to create safe and accessible spaces for pets and owners to play, socialize and exercise. Other pop-up parks are at Wilburton Hill Park and in Crossroads Park. These dog parks are part of the City’s 2022 Parks & Open Space System Plan to provide off-leash areas near downtown and other underserved neighborhoods.
The parks are fenced, have safe double entry gates, dog waste bag dispensers and waste cans. The temporary status could change depending on popularity and costs to convert to permanent installations. Feedback has been positive so far and two additional dog parks will be popping-up in Lincoln Center and just north of City Hall.
Stop by the Wildwood Park park and give your four legged family member chance to mingle with local pups and their people.
Visit Bellevue’s Park’s & Community Services website for more information.
AND DON’T FORGET . . . Friday, June 23rd is National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Calling All Dogs
Bellevue’s annual dog jog and walk event is just around the corner.
This year’s Inaugural Paws & Pride Dog Jog and Walk is scheduled for Sunday, June 4th at Ashwood Park. This year’s annual downtown Bellevue event benefits Seattle Humane of Bellevue and Lambert House. Registration is open for individuals/$25, pairs/$40 or $50 for a 4-pack. After the walk events continue at Ashwood Park with KidsQuest Children’s Museum activities, vendors and booths highlighting pets and LGBTQIA+ organizations and sponsors. All participants receive goodie bags and customized event bandanas
For more information and event registration or to volunteer visit: https://www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/paws-and-pride-dog-jog-and-walk.
Opening Day – Bellevue Farmers Market
photo courtesy flickr
It’s that time of year again, and a sure sign of spring/summer’s arrival. Opening day of the Bellevue Farmers Market is this Thursday, May 18th. The market is located at the Bellevue Presbyterian Church (1717 Bellevue Way NE). Access the market and parking area off of Bellevue Way. There’s ample parking available.
Market hours are 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Downtown Bellevue First Quarter Condo Market Statistics
2023 had a bumpy start. There’s been a lot drama and speculation regarding interest rates, the stock market, investments, employment, etc. While the eastside hasn’t been immune to these issues, the downtown Bellevue condo market has looked like a fairly normal spring market. Sales prices are gradually increasing, the difference between list price and sale price is narrowing and the days-on-market continues to decline.
DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE CONDO MARKET STATISTICS – 2023 YEAR-TO-DATE
1st Quarter 2023
total condos sold in 1st quarter 25
average sale price $913,398
average days on market 66
% of sale price vs. list price 97.7%
April 2023 sales
total condos sold in month 17
average sale price $970,382
average days on market 42
% of sale price vs. list price 99.35%
Current Pending Sales
total condo pending sales 14
average list price $1,186,986
average days on market 40
There are 42 condos actively listed for sale in downtown Bellevue with an average list price of $1,820,196. This includes several new construction pre-sale units that won’t be available for occupancy in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2023. Removing the pre-sale units, there are just 28 homes available for occupancy within 30 days of closing escrow.
