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 »

May 30, 2018

Get Out in Gatewood This Weekend: 5 Things To Do

All you in Divaland know that we have a special place in our heart for West Seattle. It has such great vibes, lots of green spaces, and pockets of retail and nightlife with TONS of character. The most popular West Seattle destination in summer is probably Alki Beach, but there is so much to explore on the south side, too. This weekend, we’re expecting more warm weather (but not too much intense sun) and we’re heading to Gatewood. Here are five things we think you’ll love in this part of West Seattle. See The Sound and Take a Swim at Lincoln Park A post shared by Don Wind (@thedonwind) on May 27, 2018 at 7:39pm PDT The rocky shores of Lincoln Park offer sweeping views of the Sound, the islands, and the Olympics…even the Vashon Island ferry leaving from the Fauntleroy terminal adds a picturesque quality. That’s not all, though.… Read More »

May 17, 2018

Southern Hospitality: 5 Reasons to Check Out Des Moines Real Estate

Like everything proximal to job centers such as Seattle and Bellevue, Des Moines real estate has seen rising prices. However, it is still much easier to find a lot of home at an affordable price. Some commuters think of Des Moines as the halfway point between Seattle and Tacoma, but this city of 30,000+ has a lot to distinguish itself. If you are looking to buy in the region and haven’t looked at Des Moines real estate yet, here are 5 reasons to rethink that. The Lively Municipal Waterfront The gentle, hospitable shores of Des Moines make access to the Puget Sound easy. That includes the city-owned recreational marina, which offers moorage, boat launching, and pier fishing facilities. It’s also a hub for community activities and the fabulous Summer Farmer’s Market. Adjacent to the marina, there is a beach park, as well, whose trails allow you to get closer to… Read More »

May 8, 2018

Get Out in Pinehurst This Weekend: 5 Things Worth Checking Out

It is about time that Seattle-ites discover Pinehurst. Pinehurst is a super cute neighborhood a quick jump from downtown. Tucked above Northgate the tree-lined streets and tucked away homes gives you the feeling of complete Northwest privacy while still being in the city. This weekend take a stroll through a few of our favorite parts of North Seattle. They will soon be more accessible than ever…. Coming Attractions: The New Light Rail Station At Northgate   It doesn’t look like much right now, but you can see some crazy construction going on near the Northgate Mall. The new Northgate Link Light Rail Station is scheduled to open in 2021, along with the University District and Roosevelt Stations. Every Light Rail station opening is like opening presents on Christmas Day. In this case, we’re opening a Big City present every five years. Without a doubt the light rail opening will have… Read More »

April 11, 2018

Roy Powell’s Q1 2018 Seattle Real Estate Market Update

Hey, y’all. Roy here.  It’s hard to believe that it’s already April. The first three months of 2018 have been a whirlwind for the real estate market, and I believe it will continue. Below, I have some insights for all of my clients, whether you are a buyer, seller, renter, or landlord. Have I missed something? Hit me up and let me know what you think. Overview of the Q1 2018 Seattle Real Estate Market The phones are ringing off the hook with calls from new buyers! Usually, the first quarter of the year is pretty sleepy, as people take their time and the market warms up gradually. This year could not be more different. Many buyers took November and December off so that they could come in strong and hot during the first quarter of the year. I’ll go into more detail below… …but our phones at Team Diva… Read More »

March 21, 2018

The Sweet Life in Woodinville: Homesteading In Style Close to Seattle

Woodinville’s rise as a hot real estate is a relatively recent development. It has been driven in part by rising prices throughout the region, but Woodinville is special. Its combination of great schools, stunning land, and urbane community is topped off with a concentration of local wineries. One can be in downtown Seattle in under an hour (and get to Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland even faster). And yet, one can also live an idyllic Woodinville homesteading lifestyle. Want proof? Look no further than our latest house listing in Woodinville. Here are six things we love the most about this community, this home, and how it makes it easy to slide right into the sweet life. Fresh Produce Comes Easy In This Organic Garden It’s March, which means that it’s time to start planting vegetables in the garden. (Check out this handy planting calendar for the best months to sow various veggies… Read More »

March 8, 2018

Podcast Roundup: Diva Kim Talks on The Snapshot and The Real Estate Sessions

Kim on Branding With The Snapshot The Snapshot podcast is devoted to digital marketing techniques for real estate professionals. We at Team Diva love coming up with fun, unique content to share with all of you in Divaland. It allows us to nerd out about our passions, show Seattle some love, and inform our audiences. It allows us to stay close to our community and help keep everyone excited and engaged in what is happening in our city and the region. Politically, culturally, and socially. The added bonus is that new and potential clients get to experience our passion, sense of humor and style right away. Which brings us to the first query Kim is given on The Snapshot: Why she doesn’t need to be the agent for everyone. There’s an old saying: A friend to everyone is a friend to no one. It’s true in business, too, especially in… Read More »