Seattle Real Estate

Seattle real estate stands out from the crowd for many reasons – not the least of which is the area’s access to world-class health care. For decades, Seattle has been home to range of institutions that have ranked among the world’s best. The centerpiece of Seattle’s health-care scene is the University of Washington, which is one of the nation’s top research institutions. The hospital connected with the university is one of the tops in the nation for treatment of a wide range of conditions. Other major medical institutions include Harborview Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and Swedish Medical Center.

A defining feature of Seattle real estate is that these facilities often anchor neighborhoods. Virginia Mason Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center, for example, are located very near to one another, and the neighborhood has been named “Pill Hill” for this reason. In another area of town, Children’s Hospital anchors Laurelhurst, and the neighborhood of Eastlake is centered around a major cancer research center.

In many ways, then, the profusion of medical facilities in the Seattle real estate area is a defining feature of the area as a whole. Because the facilities employ many doctors, nurses, and specialists, the population of Seattle is better-educated and more literate than the nation as a whole, and the politics of the area lean to the left. Overall, then, Seattle’s medical pedigree helps define Seattle real estate – and helps make it a wonderful place to live.

Seattle Real Estate Agents

Are you in the market for a new home in Seattle, Washington? If so, you’re likely to be well aware of the challenges inherent in the real estate search process. Finding a home that meets your needs (and satisfies more than a few of your wants) can be difficult. Fortunately, Seattle real estate agents are available to help you accomplish your dream and find the property that works best for you. Seattle real estate agents will help you whittle down the long list of available properties, ensure that you are able to view and tour the properties that interest you, and put in a legal offer on the home that you wish to buy.

The role of Seattle real estate agents does not stop there, however. Once the seller has accepted your offer, you will enter a contract period that is filled with a list of necessary “to-dos.” You’ll need to get an inspection, secure a mortgage, and ensure that the process moves along smoothly. Seattle real estate agents can make sure that this process does not stall out along the way. These professionals are well versed in everything that can possibly go wrong – and they will be able to head off trouble at the pass. When the relationship is managed well, working with Seattle real estate agents can be the difference between a great real estate transaction and a disastrous one. Choose Seattle real estate agents that are experienced, trustworthy, and detail-oriented – because this is the team that will set the tone for your real estate purchase.

Seattle, Washington Real Estate

Year after year, Seattle, Washington real estate stands out as one of the most popular areas of the country for new homebuyers looking for a great place to call home. One aspect of life in the Seattle, Washington real estate area that ensures a high quality of life for residents is the quality of local government. In Seattle, all city offices are non-partisan, and its nine city council members are elected “at large” rather than according to geographic subdivisions. City government is also notable because it has managed to avoid scandal and charges of cronyism over the years – despite the fact that these problems routinely plague city governments in other areas.

Seattle, Washington real estate is also notable because its population reliably leans to the political left. Each election, approximately 80% of the population votes for the democratic candidate, and local representation in the legislative branch of national government has historically voted along liberal policy lines. Seattle, Washington real estate, then, is supported by an active political scene that values the political leanings and interests of its citizenry.

If you’re shopping for a home in the Seattle, Washington real estate area, then, you’re sure to find that the available offerings are well supported by city services and national representation. Seattle politics are active and effective – but they do not take over and dominate city life in the way that they do in some other American cities.

Ask Your Seattle Real Estate Agents For Eco-Friendly

What was once a concrete jungle of a parking lot near the Northgate Mall is now being transformed into a stunning, eco-friendly, mixed-use development that’ll include 278 apartments, 109 condos, 52,00 square feet of retail space, a 52-screen movie theater, walking paths, an exposed waterway and public art displays.

Thornton Place, designed by Seattle Washington real estate developers Lorig Associates and Stellar Holdings and set for completion in Spring 2009, was conceived as an exciting response to that innate citizen desire for community dwelling space and natural landscaping.

“Everyone will have a front stoop and all the residences will look out over the channel project and the pedestrian paths,” says Andrew Hoyer, senior associate with Mithun. “The walkways will serve as a good gathering point in an urban setting.”

In addition to creating the layout with “New Urbanism” in mind, the group says they will also pursue LEED certification, which means they will use responsible building practices, install Energy Star appliances, in addition to making use of natural lighting and improved air circulation practices. Seattle real estate agents say this is of utmost importance to area buyers, who pride themselves on being green.

“We’ve been pushing sustainable practices very hard within our company over the past five to ten years,” Hoyer says, adding that the company’s been involved with numerous family-oriented Seattle Washington real estate projects over the years. “We believe that sustainable design is not a trend–it’s a movement, a complete change of life, a paradigm shift. We know that all of this is important for our children.”

To encourage residents and retail employees to use bicycles as the primary mode of transit, Thornton Place is installing showers on the premises for those hot and sweaty summer commutes. They’re also working with Metro Transit and Flexcar to facilitate shared transportation. Seattle real estate agents should have no trouble encouraging interest in the Thornton Place lifestyle!

Seattle Real Estate Agents Say Seattle’s Going Greener

How is Seattle Washington real estate going greener, you might ask? Seattle real estate agents like Courtney Cooper say that, “Seattle neighborhoods have been putting food scraps in the green lawn bin for quite some time and beginning late last year, many Seattle suburbs started offering this great service too!” In addition to lawn clippings, you can put shredded paper, paper plates, napkins, paper towels, Chinese take-out cartons and pizza boxes can all go in your green bin!

But that’s not all, say Seattle real estate agents! In fact, the citizens of Seattle have been incorporating eco-friendly interior design into their prized piece of Seattle Washington real estate. Your neighbor may not believe you when you mention that your green Crate and Barrel sofa is actually made of a sustainable wood frame, soy-based foam, water-based finishes and bamboo trim! You can get your organic sheets, towels and bath mats at West Elm, your organic sofas from One Earth One Design or Crate and Barrel, your eco-friendly home renovation materials from Home Depot and your PBDE-free / legally logged furniture from Ikea. The Forest Stewardship Council approves environmentally-friendly wood, so keep a look out for that label.

Don’t just take the Seattle real estate agents‘ word for it. In April, Seattle was dubbed the nation’s leader in green building development, with 41 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings. Other cities riding our coat tails include: Portland, Chicago, DC and Grand Rapids. Even our very own City Hall and Central Library are sustainable designs!