CASE STUDY: One-Level Living Sold in Broadmoor!

The story of this sale stretches back to July of 2016 when my clients purchased this home for $2,277,500. They had assumed this residence would be theirs for many years to come and with that in mind, made extensive and expensive improvements. As we all know plans can change, they found another home they loved and this new home needed some work, and they did not want to sell prior to the completion of the remodel.

The first step was to photograph the exterior and gardens last June, when everything was in bloom and the weather was beautiful. We knew at that time that we would probably list their home in early 2020, but when I learned that real estate excise tax would be increasing in January 2020, I suggested that we go ahead and list the home for sale this year and see if we could find a buyer that would close in 2019, but delay possession until early 2020. I felt extremely confident about making my clients needs work for them. At that time, I had just listed and sold a home in the same neighborhood that had three offers, so I knew there were buyers in the market for a one-level home.

We decided to bring it on the market and list it under $3,000,000, which barely covered the extensive upgrades my sellers had made to the home, but they were eager to sell and had special terms, so ultimately it was better to have their home well-priced and get it sold. We listed on a Wednesday and by Friday, we had three fabulous offers to choose from! We sold the home for $3,545,000, $550,000 more than the asking price, and closed in just 10 days.

Cheers to another successful sale!

 
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It Pick: October 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 

Designed by Stuart Silk and Dave Dykstra, this contemporary masterpiece is a sophisticated yet soothing blend of aluminum, glass and wood, key elements in Pacific Northwest design. Featuring a private, park-like setting with sweeping views of Lake Union.
Sold for 
$4,800,000. Buyer represented.

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This contemporary home checks all the boxes! An open floorplan with expansive views of the Puget Sound. This home’s location is fabulously convenient: close to downtown, the park, ferry and local shops and cafes. Listed at $1,025,000. Sold for $1,065,000. Represented the seller.

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Historic homes have outlived many moments throughout history. Featured in Sotheby’s Extraordinary Living, my Skinner Mansion listing tells its own tale.

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Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present the Pulse, a collection of arts, events, and inspiration both locally and globally.

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Have you ever heard the phrase “Midas Touch”? Originally derived from Greek mythology, King Midas was known for requesting “everything he touched be turned to gold.” From October 25-29, Sotheby’s Auction House celebrates the ongoing statement Gold has made throughout centuries in this unique theme.

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Refind Closet is a new, chic boutique in Madison Park featuring luxury consignment shopping. Owned and founded by cousins Jeannine Christofilis and Mary Bridget Pehlhis, this treasure trove offers gently used (and some never-worn-before) clothing, accessories, jewelry, handbags and more. Find the ultimate statement piece at this local consignment shop.

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It Pick: September 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 

Sought after one-level living in the heart of Broadmoor! Sited on a flat Southwest facing double-lot, this easy-living home has a room for everything and everyone.

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Sited on a quiet street in the coveted Fauntleroy neighborhood, this understated 1950's home has a big “wow” factor the minute you walk in.

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Executives of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) announced that Robyn Kimura Hsu and Rachel Schindler, a top-producing broker team, has aligned with the fast-growing real estate firm. Hsu also accepted a leadership position as Executive Director of Business Development to support the RSIR’s plans for growth within both existing and new branch offices. The duo will join a collective of other Founding Members who will play an integral role in establishing the firm’s forthcoming branch office in Bellevue, Washington.

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Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present the Pulse, a collection of arts, events, and inspiration both locally and globally.

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This fancy, vivid purplish pink, internally flawless diamond is one of three exceptional jewels that will be auctioned off in Hong Kong next month.

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Open the pages of Eleanor Oliphant and prepare to be lost in a wonderful tale of an unconventional heroine whose charm and wit brings her on a remarkable journey to the universal realization that in order to survive, we must open our hearts—a true page turner!

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It Pick: Summer 2019

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The charm of the original 1904 home combines with killer 180-degree sweeping lake, city and mountain views to create this stunning estate with lock-and-leave luxury.

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This handsome contemporary townhome offers beautifully appointed interiors and finishes throughout an open-concept floor plan. Enjoy vibrant living with nearby shopping and dining.

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This stunning home serves as a tribute to good taste and classical design that never goes out of style! The flawlessly executed interior is a marriage of exquisite form and function.

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Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present the Puget Sound Area's greatest events for a month of family fun and activities for every taste. 

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Executives of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) have appointed Tadashi Shiga as Executive Director to establish a new land division for the fast-growing real estate brokerage to cultivate new, for-sale developments by identifying land and list-back opportunities for a bounty of new and existing developer clients.

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Engagement and wedding rings often tell enchanting stories from the past. Whether they're family heirlooms or new contemporary gems, these celebrity rings truly shine.

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Frenchy's Day Spa has been a Madison Park staple for over 20 years. New owners Angela Rosen, Jennifer Hyde and Annie Gleason, who also own Penelope and the Beauty Bar, completed a full redesign making the boutique better than ever! City dwellers and Eastsiders alike continue to flock to what is arguably the best nail salon the city has to offer.

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Sotheby's Wine offers a look at Pappy Van Winkle—one ot the most coveted bourbons available today. Travelling business man Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle debuted his whiskey business in 1893 and the family has long since been dedicated to making fine spirits.

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I'm thrilled to share some of the first new offerings in Tumble Creek in over a decade!

This boutique community is nestled in beloved Suncadia, offering the best amenities available at the resort within a gated neighborhood.

Join me on August 15th at the Park House from 2PM to 6PM for an afternoon of nibbles and bubbles with the onsite sales team. A formal invitation is forthcoming! 

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It Pick: June 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Starting January 1st, 2020, Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) will replace the current 1.28 percent sales tax applied to all WA transactions with a variable rate based on a property's value. In response, Realogics Sotheby's International Realty (RSIR) has launched WashingtonREET.com, a calculator to help home sellers navigate this new tax structure by displaying estimations of 2019 and 2020 taxes. For anyone considering selling their home, I am happy to talk with you about how REET will affect the process. 

 

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Prominently sited on sought-after Capitol Hill, with a walkscore of 98, this historical treasure combines a pedigreed history and classical details with a home that exudes comfort.

 

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The timeless, easy-living floorplan of this classic Roland Terry designed home will never go out of style. Enjoy one-level living complemented by thoughtfully appointed spaces.

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This dramatic waterfront home combines a modern aesthetic with a thoughtful use of materials and design including steel beams, reclaimed barn-wood, artistic light features and 10 foot ceilings.

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Contemporary living in West Seattle comes to life in this beautifully appointed townhome. Enjoy an open-concept floorplan, two decks, a large master suite and plenty of storage.

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A second consecutive monthly unadjusted increase for residential home prices was not enough to reverse the recent steady decline in year-over-year growth for Seattle residential home selling prices. Meanwhile, price gains are slowing throughout the rest of the country.

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James Bond's only wedding ring sold for £52,500 in the Fine Jewels sale in London on June 5th. This distinctive item was created for the film's wedding scene and marked the only time 007 walked down the aisle.

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Enjoy a cocktail party unlike any other! This year SAM's Party in the Park is a joy ride around the Olympic Sculpture Park with 18 incredibly rare and internationally renowned automobiles from private collections. Rally for SAM with art, music, food and drinks.

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Just 80 miles from Seattle you can enjoy a culturally rich lifestyle with diverse offerings and amenities surrounded by classic PNW plantings. Tumble Creek at Suncadia is currently accepting prioirty reservations at $2,500 that allow you to select your dream homesite.

 

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"Laura's reputation as a top agent is well-deserved! She is just the best! She talked us through every step of selling our house. We were so impressed with her professionalism and up-to-the-minute market analysis. She is warm, open and honest and has our utmost respect and admiration. She was always available for our questions and was always on time for every appointment. Her team of re-stylers, photographers and her brochures were all A+++. We would recommend her without reservation!" — Jackie Mansfield

 

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It Pick: May 2019

 

 
 
 
I cannot wait for this year's Home and Garden Tour in Madison Park! Pictured above are my clients Carlo and Lalie Scandiuzzi from last year's tour. Their home was truly swoonworthy! Join us on June 9th for more beautiful homes and gardens!
 
 
 
 
Shore Avenue...that coveted street on Useless Bay! Charming shingled traditional combines with an over-the-top garden to deliver killer curb appeal.

| OPEN HOUSE |
Saturday, May 25th & Sunday, May 26th from 1-4pm

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The timeless, easy living floor plan of this classic Roland Terry designed home will never go out of style.

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What an amazing experience to join my Sotheby’s colleagues from around the world at our Global Networking Event in Vancouver BC. Loved making incredible connections and new friends. One of the highlights was our guest speaker on the 2nd day of the event…Gwyneth Paltrow. She was fascinating, charming and inspirational! #luckyme!

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Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty presents a look at the housing market trends for the first quarter of 2019, from the shores of Bainbridge Island’s waterfront homes and in-city living opportunities to the Eastside’s most distinguished residences.

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This handsome contemporary styled townhome offers beautifully appointed interiors, finishes and a 10 minute commute to downtown Seattle!

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Panoramic western views...seaplanes, fireworks, twinkling city lights and tangerine sunsets! 

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The Met Gala always features the most stunning pieces of fashion and jewelry. Click below for a great recap of this iconic event.

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While competition still remains high, buyers are feeling some relief with cooling prices and more inventory to choose from.

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My IT Pick for May is the new bookstore in Madison Park, Madison BKS! I am thrilled that we finally have this in our community again. My mother was the owner of Madison Park Books, which closed in 2005 (for those of you that did not live here then, it occupied the space where Key Bank is now). Not a day goes by that my mom does not think about her store…  On Mother’s Day this year, after breakfast at Bings, we walked over to check out the new bookstore and had a lovely conversation and tour with the manager. Let’s all support our local store so that it continues to serve our community!

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It Pick: April 2019

 

 
 

2018 was a fascinating year for real estate. Click below for a recap and a look at what to expect for 2019.

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Completed in 2017, this dramatic home fuses a modern, contemporary aesthetic with a thoughtful use of materials and design. From steel beams, reclaimed barnwood from a Lopez Island farm, and artistic light fixtures, to 10-foot ceilings on the main floor—and an 8 to 14-foot slope upstairs—this home delights at every turn! Sited on the sought-after Useless Bay, take in endless views of Mount Rainier, a sugar sand beach to wiggle your toes in, and a constant parade of eagles soaring overhead.

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Buyers who are tired of the cost of living in NYC are turning to Seattle as an alternative.

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This month's auction highlight features an amazing collection of jewels from the world's most famous jewelry houses.

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The fire at Notre Dame was heartbreaking to see. Thankfully, efforts are already being made to rebuild this unbelievable piece or architectural history.  

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The weather is warming up and so is the real estate market!

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April's wine to watch is a collection of limited edition Chateau Mouton Rothschild Versailles Celebration Cases. Proceeds of this auction will go to the rebuilding efforts of Notre Dame.

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"Laura represented me recently in both the listing & sale of my home, as well as the acquisition of a condo in the same area. Laura has a unique skill set including: market knowledge & evaluation, professional & fair negotiation advice, and excellent customer service standards. She is a true pro. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with her should consider themselves most fortunate”

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It Pick: March 2019

 

 
 

This month's auction highlights one-of-a-kind original movie posters. These would be great for someone's home theater!   

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Happy Birthday, Sotheby's! 275 years of unparalleled service in the auction industry is truly something to celebrate. Click below to learn more about the history and landmark achievements of this great company.

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Price reduced by $300,000! Prominently sited on sought-after Capitol Hill (walk score of 89!), this historical treasure combines a pedigreed history and classical details with a home that exudes comfort and warmth. Multiple rooms invite living and entertaining, (both casually and formally) for all ages. Enjoy 5 bedrooms, 6+ baths, 7 fireplaces, billiards room, media room, sunroom, wine cellar, and nanny’s quarters with a separate entrance all embraced by luscious, mature gardens. At $431/sf, this is an incredible opportunity for a savvy buyer!

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This month's version of The PULSE features the latest on art, travel, design and local events that are not to be missed!

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Timeless elegance meets a floor plan that really works for the way we live today. Gracious formal rooms flow into the spacious kitchen/family room complete with stainless appliances and granite counters. French doors open to the outdoor entertaining space including a fireplace, covered patio and a sunny, private backyard. Dark hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, skylights, bay windows, 3 fireplaces, custom built-ins and an elevator!

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Is the real estate market in Seattle mirroring the weather and heating up? 

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2018 proved to be an unbelievable year for Sotheby's International Realty and its affiliates. Here's to breaking more records in 2019!

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March's wines to watch feature two delectable reds, Amarone and Valpolicella. Both wines offer bold flavors and pair well with rich pastas, duck and osso buco.

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A First Hill treasure! Sought after Sutton Place is one of Seattle's landmark mid-century steel and concrete buildings. Enjoy large picture windows that bring in light and offer lovely views of the historical Stimson Green Mansion and First Hill Park. Handsome parquet floors, an updated kitchen and bathroom, and an easy-living floor plan combine to create a home that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Outdoor pool, laundry facility and storage unit. Meticulously managed building with a walk score of 98!

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 >

 
 
 
"Laura Halliday is a visionary. When other realtors saw much less value in the property, she recognized its uniqueness, understood the benefit to buyers, and knew how to show case and market the property so that potential buyers could picture themselves living, relaxing, and entertaining in this  beautiful waterfront condominium. Not only did she have vision, but she also had a professional network that included an excellent cleaning company, a top quality stager, a brilliant photographer, expert marketers and a great estate sale company. She understood the value of breathtaking pictures on the internet, as well as stunning postcards to homeowners in Madison Park who do not use the internet to search for properties. Laura listed the property at what others thought was a ridiculously high price and in six days, had two bids above asking, setting a new benchmark for dollars per square foot in the area. She accomplished this during the months when the Seattle Times reported a slowing in local real estate sales. I have no doubt that the new owners will thoroughly enjoy living their dream here, just as my parents did for many years. Laura is both professional and real, having great integrity and a sense of humor. She is simply a pleasure to work with. My only regret in selling the condominium is that I will miss working with Laura"

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