January 30, 2019

Post-Viadoom: Live it Up in Belltown and Lower Queen Anne

  From Pioneer Square to Lower Queen Anne, the Seattle waterfront is changing. Will it become a truly public space or a playground for rich developers? It’s hard-to-say, but right now we’re particularly curious about Belltown. The old Battery Street Tunnel connected the viaduct to 99, so even in the viaduct days, the traffic went under a lot of this part of town. The new tunnel will stretch from SoDo to South Lake Union, bypassing downtown entirely. For us, this is a prime time to hype the great scene found in Belltown and Lower Queen Anne. No viaduct and no tunnel mean no excuses for not exploring these vibrant Seattle neighborhoods when you are already passing by.   Great Waterfront Dining The north end of the waterfront is home to two great waterfront dining destinations, The Edgewater Hotel and Aqua. The hotel’s bar and restaurant, Six Seven (on pier 67),… Read More »

January 21, 2019

Diva Dweller Profile: Jackie and Mike

Jackie and Mike have dubbed their 10-acre homestead in Monroe Ponderosa. They were able to work up to owning this property by investing wisely over the years, but the impetus to move out there came from something really scary. Jackie was diagnosed with and breast cancer. The reevaluation that followed made her and Mike wonder, “What are we doing here?” Making the Move to Monroe They were living in Fremont, a neighborhood they had loved for many years. But when the bustle and noise of nightlife was no longer attractive to them, they envisioned a home with acreage and space to make magic happen in their own crazy fun way. We first met these fab folks when we sold them a cute basic rental home in Haller Lake. We were able to help make their Monroe magic dreams come true after selling both their Fremont home and the rental for… Read More »

January 21, 2019

Diva Dweller Profile: Hollie and Dave

We have know Hollie and Dave for over almost 7 years and in that time they have long since stopped being clients and have become friends. We have helped them buy and sell seven homes from Leschi to Queen Anne and from Seattle to Ellensburg. And this last one may just be their “forever” view home in West Seattle. They have honed their instincts over time, which means there has not been one bad investment in this mix. Finding Their “Forever” Home When Hollie first saw the photos of their current home on Redfin, they weren’t exactly attention-grabbing. But being the detail oriented gal she is, something in the marketing remarks made her stop and take notice. And once she did, my phone started ringing. All she had to say was “I think this is the one” and Chavi and I were in the car. Hollie and Dave had been… Read More »

January 16, 2019

Broadway North: A Full Day of Fun, Food, and Fashionable Finds

So much has changed on Capitol Hill in recent years, and a lot of the buzz is around Pike/Pine. What was formerly Auto Row is where you’ll find the neighborhood’s highest density of large beer houses and breweries, galleries and arts venues. Some of our favorite spots have been there for decades, but many blocks would be unrecognizable ten years ago. Central to Capitol Hill is Cal Anderson Park and the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station, where Olive Way and John Street collide at Broadway. We think it’s interesting (and refreshing) that north of that intersection, Broadway hasn’t changed so drastically. In fact, the queer, bohemian energy we love so much is still brimming on these blocks. It has it all, from rowdy dives to exceptional fine dining, to boutique shopping. Here’s a FULL day itinerary to show you what we mean.   View this post on Instagram   A… Read More »

January 10, 2019

Divaland Home Buyer’s Guide: Co-Ops, Condos, What’s The Difference?

There’s a sentiment we hear repeated among first-time home buyers: “Condos and co-ops are both units in a larger building. How different can they be?” They are often surprised by the answer to that if they haven’t done the research. In fact, co-ops can take a lot of forms, from senior and student housing to mobile home parks and single-family homes. What separates condos and co-ops is actually the legal structure of ownership. It just happens that a lot of co-ops are in older multi-family buildings here in Seattle. In some cities, co-ops greatly outnumber condos. In New York City, if you want a cute home in a pre-war building, you’re almost certainly looking for a co-op, not a condo. Most co-ops in Seattle were established before the big building booms, so they still have vintage charm and are harder to find. There are some overlaps between condos and co-ops,… Read More »

October 23, 2018

Five Reasons We Love This Condo at The Granada

Let’s be honest. The market is in flux and it is taking a while for buyers to realize there are gems on the market to be plucked before other buyers wake up and the fighting starts all over again. This fab two bedroom Diva Dwelling condo at the Granada is perfect. Specifically, it is perfect for those who understand having space near Alaska Junction is a stable and good investment. Transit and walkability are key indicators of the long-term financial health of a neighborhood’s housing values. And the Alaska Junction has both of these key items.  So while every other buyer is taking their sweet time re-evaluating their values in this market be the buyer that is swooping up the gems!  Let’s Go Over Why the Granada West Seattle Condo is a Gem Location, Location, Location….. and Size The Granada is perfectly situated in the heart of the Alaska Junction. You can… Read More »

September 11, 2018

Sunny Days, Cool Nights: Some of Our Faves in The Central District

There is so much to love about Seattle’s Central District: great food, important history, fun shops. Here’s an itinerary for a full day or a little outing to one of Seattle’s most beloved neighborhoods. Morning Jaunt Some of us like a light breakfast (or a fast one) to start the day. Others need something hardy to get started. Take in some fresh air first, and then get some fresh doughnuts at Raised Doughnuts. If that is too much of a sugar rush, stop by Fat’s Chicken & Waffles (a fav spot for the Diva Posse) instead for a hearty soul food brunch. You can never go wrong with fried chicken and waffles. Midmorning Reverie As the sun streams over the hills to the east, it’s a nice time to find a little inner peace. The carefully edited book selection at Unity on Union offers many guides to meditation and personal magic. If… Read More »

July 19, 2018

Investing In Seattle: Team Diva’s Tips for the First-Time Real Estate Investor

Being a real estate investor requires patience, tenacity, and research. Thinking long-term isn’t just good for investors. It’s also better for the communities and cities where they buy property. This is not to say that short-term thinking can’t always pay off, but it isn’t always profitable. Let’s get started with our Savvy Real Estate Investor. Types of Homes a Savvy Seattle Real Estate Investor The kind of building you choose should depend on the kind of investor you are. The following list of investment property types is more or less ordered according to complexity (simplest to most involved). Condo Townhouse Single Family Home Duplex or Twin Home 4-Plex or Multi-Plex Condo Real Seattle Estate Investments This is not to say that investing in a condo is hassle-free, but day-to-day maintenance in common areas is handled by a condo association, as well as most structural issues. (That’s why you’re paying those monthly… Read More »

July 17, 2018

Summer in the City: 5 Perfect Sunny Day Itineraries in Belltown

Belltown has changed so much in the last decade. It transformed almost overnight during an earlier building boom, going from bohemian enclave to nightlife epicenter. It wasn’t unexpected, given the absolutely prime location in terms of scenery and transit. The nightlife is still very active on weekends in Belltown along 1st and 2nd Avenues, but there is SO MUCH more to this neighborhood than weekend warriors. This is a prime weekend to check out this Seattle hot spot. The biggest crowds will be on Capitol Hill for the Capitol Hill Block Party. Those who want to escape that throng but still have a great time out close to downtown need only head toward the Puget Sound. Here are some of the sultriest, spiciest ways to enjoy Belltown and some of its many amazing restaurants and bars. Family Fun Al Fresco in The Olympic Sculpture Park Seattle Art Museum’s waterfront sculpture… Read More »

July 11, 2018

4 Reasons Why Crown Hill Is One of Seattle’s Homiest Neighborhoods

Crown Hill has remained a fairly quiet neighborhood while Ballard has REALLY grown up, along with Greenwood to Crown Hill’s east. While it is more lively than the posh Blue Ridge neighborhood to its north. In Crown Hill, you’ll see plenty of kids, so it is really is more alive than ever! The main thoroughfare in Crown Hill is Holman Road, which is lined with shops and services, both chains and independently owned. Some of these are much adored, including the Thirsty Fish pub and, of course, Dick’s Drive-In. You’re sure to spot familiar spaces at these places and more when you settle down in Crown Hill. But first, they have to be familiar, right? Here are four ways that Crown Hill’s features, attractions, and associations make it easier to form a community and feel truly at home. Hyper-Local Goodies at The Weekly Summer Market A post shared by Crown… Read More »