Author: Rebekah Ueland

The Growth of Suburban Living: Why More People Are Choosing the Suburbs

Posted on by Rebekah Ueland

There’s no denying that many individuals are choosing more space and suburban living instead of the dense cities and high expenses of metropolitan regions. Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for this trend, it is still present in the market in 2023.

We’ll look into what caused the change in demand and talk about what it means for the housing market so we can better understand it.

Why the shift to suburban living?

With more homebuyers placing an emphasis on a balanced lifestyle, there’s been a much greater desire for homes that allow us to live enriching lives.

Living in the suburbs gives you more space for work and study rooms, more square footage, and outdoor areas.

The pandemic showed many people that they were in need of lifestyles that were less hectic and more conducive to quiet reflection and contemplation. These are some of the main aspects of suburban living that homebuyers in 2023 are still chasing after.

1. More space for remote work and learning

The pandemic prompted an immediate and widespread adoption of remote work and learning. Several years later, it’s now seen as “essential” by many buyers and homeowners to have a separate home office or study room.

More often than not, homes in the suburbs have a large amount of available space. This makes it possible to partition off work and study areas, in addition to providing outside places where you can enjoy a break or get some exercise in the middle of the day.

2. Desire for more outdoor space

When social distance standards were first put in place, many people became uncomfortable with how often they were close to other people. The result of this observation was a large increase in the number of buyers who desired more outdoor space.

During the pandemic, outdoor spaces were one of the best ways to hang out with friends. However, the benefits of having a yard and beautiful natural landscaping still attract buyers today.

People who live in cities that are crowded and don’t have easy access to green spaces and bigger yards may find that suburban areas are a more appealing alternative to where they live now.

3. Lower cost of living

Lifestyle perks aside, many homebuyers have explored a shift to suburban living primarily driven by the persistent upward trend in the cost of living in urban regions.

While some suburban areas still have a high barrier to entry, there are many other suburban locations that have become increasingly appealing to people who are searching for a reduced overall cost of living.

Also, there are fewer people looking for homes in some suburban areas, which can help you avoid the fierce competition that dominated our real estate market in 2020–2021.

4. Safety Concerns

Concerns over personal safety have been raised to the forefront of people’s minds as a result of the pandemic and its aftermath.

Although not entirely free of crime, many suburban locations are seen as far safer than metropolitan areas. Many suburban areas have low crime rates because there aren’t as many people living there. However, many suburban communities also take crime much more seriously than some big cities.

The Effect of Home Preferences on the Housing Market

Over the last few years, the demand for suburban homes, particularly those with outdoor spaces and home offices, has increased greatly. This has led to a jump in prices in the real estate market.

At Gilpin Realty, we’re here to help you find the perfect home in any of the beautiful Pacific Northwest suburbs. If you’re looking for a change of pace in your lifestyle, let us help you find the perfect place to call home.

The Best Home Improvement Projects to Increase Value in the Pacific Northwest

Posted on by Rebekah Ueland

Are you a homeowner in the Pacific Northwest? If so, you’ve probably brainstormed what some of the best home improvement projects are to increase the value of your property.

Putting money into home improvements is often a good and efficient way to raise the value of your property. The best part is that this is true whether you plan on selling your house in the near future or if you simply wish to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

To help you see the greatest increase in both the market and aesthetic value of your home, we’ll share some of the best home improvement projects that, when done properly, will boost the value of your property. There is quite a bit of potential to make your home appealing to prospective buyers in the Pacific Northwest, so let’s get right to it!

Home improvement projects in the kitchen

There’s no denying that the kitchen is the first room that prospective buyers examine when they are thinking about purchasing a home. Many buyers believe the kitchen to be the center of the home—and judge the entire house based on their reaction to it.

If you don’t have a lot of money for home improvements, you might get the most out of putting all of your money into the kitchen. Here are a few things your kitchen can benefit from:

  • Upgraded, energy-efficient appliances
  • Gas range (where possible)
  • Stone countertops
  • Brand new cabinetry or painted cabinets
  • Updated flooring, paint, and light fixtures
  • If space allows, include a kitchen island or bar

The Pacific Northwest is full of homeowners who place a high level of importance on environmental responsibility and sustainability. So, it can be smart to choose to remodel your kitchen with materials that are good for the environment and equipment that uses less energy.

Buyers do tend to like kitchens with natural stone or quartz countertops. But when choosing the specifics for your kitchen home improvement project, it’s important to consider what suits your home best versus what’s trendy.

Remodel Your Bathroom…or add another

Second on the list behind kitchen remodeling, bathrooms are another space that often has a significant effect on the value of a home.

An outdated bathroom can really put a damper on the overall luster of your home. As unfair as it may appear, buyers frequently judge the age of the entire home based on the bathroom.

Similar to kitchens, homeowners in the Pacific Northwest frequently favor bathrooms that are constructed with natural materials such as wood and stone. It’s also a plus to have high-end features like heated floors and fixtures that use less energy.

Consider some of the following improvements:

  • Heated, tiled floors
  • New toilets and sinks
  • Stone countertops
  • Multiple shower heads
  • Adding another bathroom
  • Dimmable, energy-efficient lighting

If space and plumbing are no object, putting in an additional bathroom is often a lucrative investment—particularly in older houses that have just one of those rooms available to them.

Outdoor Home Improvements

We’re so lucky to have such natural beauty here in the Pacific Northwest. Because of this, developing an outdoor living space that emphasizes an active, outdoor lifestyle can be an excellent means of adding value to your property.

Adding a deck, patio, or even an outdoor kitchen can not only increase the amount of space you can use in your home, but it can also make it feel more like a warm and welcoming place where people can hang out and relax.

If you’re looking to go the extra mile, you can also increase your property’s allure by making it more environmentally friendly with a rainwater collection system or by growing your own vegetables—although you’ll want to be sure that this is allowed in your area.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

As we’ve mentioned, Pacific Northwest homeowners place a high value on energy efficiency and sustainable practices. Increasing the energy efficiency of your home by making investments in energy-saving upgrades such as upgraded heating and cooling systems, solar panels, or energy-efficient windows can not only help reduce the carbon footprint that your home leaves behind but also save you money on your monthly energy bills in the long run.

Adding Lasting Beauty with Landscaping

In the same way that having beautiful outdoor living spaces is good for your home, so is having well-thought-out landscaping.

Adding more native plants and trees to your yard will not only make it look better, but it will also encourage biodiversity and bring in more of the local wildlife. After all, who doesn’t enjoy seeing squirrels and robins scamper and soar through their yard?

Consider some of the following additions:

  • Water features
  • Fire pit
  • Outdoor lighting
  • Mature trees that offer privacy
  • A garden or flower bed
  • Well-manicured lawn

All of these changes can go a long way toward making the house look inviting and interesting to potential buyers.

Maximizing your home’s value

As you can see, there are loads of different home improvement projects that will raise your home’s value.

Whether you’re planning to sell your house or just wish to increase your enjoyment of your home, you won’t go wrong by investing your time and money into any of these projects. And remember, making renovations that are favorable to the environment is an added bonus in the Pacific Northwest!

If you’re trying to figure out where to start with improving your home to maximize its value on the market, Gilpin Realty can help. Our real estate agents are well-versed in the local real estate market and can seamlessly guide you through the process of preparing your house to go on the market.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can assist you in selling or buying the home of your dreams here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Life in Snohomish: Homes for Sale

Posted on by Rebekah Ueland

If you’ve been searching north, south, east, and west for the next place to call home, you may want to consider taking a deeper look at Snohomish, Washington.

A beautiful community located just northeast of Seattle, Snohomish is characterized by its perfectly balanced blend of small-town charm and convenient access to city amenities. As a locale, it’s frequently described as one of the most warm and welcoming that the west side of the Cascade Mountains has to offer.

While Gilpin Realty is located in Snohomish, we can’t say that our perspective here is based solely on bias. Snohomish offers a tremendous amount of upside for ambitious homebuyers looking for a place to enjoy the perks of homeownership, build equity, and become part of a vibrant community.

Homes for Sale in Snohomish WA

When it comes to homes for sale in Snohomish, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the wide range of options suited to any budget and lifestyle.

From charming Victorians and Craftsman-style houses to newer construction and even rural properties, Snohomish has something for everyone.

There are also excellent opportunities for investment properties that frequently pop up on the market for savvy home searchers. Whatever you may be in search of, our team of agents here at Gilpin Realty can help you find the perfect fit.

Snohomish as a Community

One of the most commonly cited benefits of living in Snohomish is the close-knit community.

With a population of just over 10,000, it’s easy to get to know your neighbors and take part in local events and organizations. The city also has a rich history with no shortage of historic sites and landmarks to explore.

For example, if you love nature, you’ll greatly appreciate the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities in Snohomish.

1.     Hiking Along Pilchuck River

The Pilchuck River offers beautiful scenery and challenging trails for hikers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, you can find your next adventure along the Pilchuck River in Snohomish.

2.     Water Sports at Lake Stevens

Located just a short drive from Snohomish, Lake Stevens is a popular spring and summertime destination for water sports such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

The lake is also surrounded by beautiful parks and trails, which makes it a great place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

3.     Centennial Trail

And of course, the Centennial Trail is one of the most popular destinations for hikers, bikers, and runners in Snohomish.

Spanning a lengthy 30 miles, the trail gives its visitors a firsthand view of the beauty of Snohomish Valley and the Cascade Mountains, as well as access to countless parks and recreational areas.

Amenities in Snohomish WA

In terms of amenities, Snohomish has you covered in just about every way you could imagine. The downtown area is filled with a wide array of restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and even a bustling weekly farmer’s market during the summer months.

There are also several parks and a community center, providing plenty of opportunities for recreation and socializing.

Depending on where you choose to live in Snohomish, you’ll enjoy easy walkable access to new adventures at every corner.

Snohomish Homes for Sale with Gilpin Realty

Overall, life in Snohomish is idyllic for those longing for a small-town atmosphere with easy access to the amenities of a larger city.

If you’re interested in Snohomish homes for sale, be sure to take a look at what this charming community has to offer with one of our real estate professionals here at Gilpin Realty.

Getting to Know Fobes Hill, Snohomish

Posted on by Rebekah Ueland

As a community, Snohomish has earned a reputation as being one of the most warm and friendly places to be in the State of Washington. Its terrain is vast and varied, with many charming neighborhoods adorning its territory on the map.

Among these neighborhoods is the peaceful residential neighborhood of Fobes Hill, Snohomish. Here at Gilpin Realty, we often connect with many prospective homebuyers in Snohomish that are enamored with the amenities and natural beauty of Fobes Hill.

We’ve put together a quick neighborhood guide to help paint a picture of what life is like in the eternally lovely Fobes Hill, Snohomish.

Fobes Hill

Where is Fobes Hill Snohomish?

Sitting serenely surrounded by the Snohomish River and Bickford Avenue, Fobes Hill is an unincorporated area of the City of Snohomish.

It has the unique distinction of being one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Snohomish area — a fact exemplified in many of the beautiful historic homes throughout the neighborhood.

How Big is Fobes Hill?

Fobes Hill is a secluded and quiet suburb of Snohomish nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. The area itself is just under 5 square miles large, with around 1,200 homes scattered throughout.

While Fobes Hill may have a limited number of homes, it more than makes up for this aspect with its overall generous lot sizes. In fact, The Fobes Hill area is home to more than a few hidden farms and artisan cultivators.

Amidst the quiet, suburban neighborhood, you’ll find independent beekeepers, pumpkin patches, blueberry fields, and much more.

Amenities near Fobes Hill

Many prospective Snohomish residents are drawn in by Fobes Hill’s promise of peaceful tranquility. But residents don’t need to fully sacrifice amenities in order to enjoy the quiet acreage that comes with the territory.

Fobes Hill, Snohomish is just a stone’s throw away from historic downtown Snohomish. And for those that may not yet know, downtown Snohomish boasts an incredible variety of restaurants, bars, breweries, specialty artisan shops, spas, salons, coffee shops, and much more.

Rental property management with Gilpin Management Services

The downtown area also operates as a wonderful community hub, drawing in many locals and folks from all over the area.

Fobes Hill is never too far away from the riveting excitement of downtown Snohomish and the unique culture that it offers.

More Fobes Hill Facts

Fobes Hill is served by the Snohomish School District, which is made up of a team of over 500 teachers. The Snohomish School District is made up of over fifteen schools, with Cascade View Elementary and Riverview Elementary being located in Fobes Hill itself!

As a submarket of Snohomish, Fobes Hill is generally rather competitive. At the time of publishing this post (December 2022) the median home price in Fobes Hill is $725k, representing a 7.4% increase over the previous year.

While the neighborhood certainly has aspects that appeal to families and farmers, Fobes Hill has something to offer to anybody seeking the best of both worlds in Snohomish.

Real Estate in Fobes Hill Snohomish

Fobes Hill is one of the most attractive areas of Snohomish, filled with amenities for any aspiring homeowner.

Whether you’re looking for a supportive community, lots of abundant nature, or the perfect proximity to the historic charm of Snohomish, Fobes Hill is a fantastic place to call home.

If you’re looking to make the move to Fobes Hill or have any real estate questions, our local team of experts here at Gilpin Realty are here to help. Click here to get in touch or call directly at (360) 568-2181.

Searching for Homes for Sale in 98290

Posted on by Rebekah Ueland

What does 98290 mean to you? Peace, adventure, excitement, or perhaps just a 5-digit number?

Well, in terms of what it means to Snohomish County, 98290 is a wide geographic area spanning through rural and suburban Snohomish.

If you know that you want your next home to be in Snohomish but haven’t settled on a specific area, starting your search with the lovely broad zip code of 98290 will help you get a lay of the land and be advantageous for starting your search.

And what better way to start familiarizing yourself than by searching for homes for sale in 98290?

A Look at Homes in 98290

Before we break down the different options for sale in 98290, it’s important to get a look at exactly how broad the area is. Spanning through the majority of Snohomish, 98290 also touches the borderline of Lake Stevens.

To get you properly oriented, here is a visual look at the region, provided by Zip Data Maps.

Given such a broad area near many different amenities and geographic features, 98290 can vary significantly in the median housing price.

To help get you started as you look for homes for sale in 98290, we’ll explore the makeup of these different areas and a general overview of what type of properties you can find within them.

At the time of publishing this article, the median sales price for a home in 98290 is $753k — a -1.8% decrease YoY.

The Different Regions of 98290 in Snohomish

As we mentioned, 98290 captures a wide range of communities within the Greater Snohomish Area. This includes broad regions and neighborhoods like the following:

  • Clearview
  • Cathcart
  • Machias

Many of the homes that you’ll find throughout these regions of Snohomish will be older, historic properties. In recent years, there has been a large influx of real estate investors putting money and resource into these homes — modernizing them for a brand new generation to enjoy.

In many ways, this offers the best of both worlds, with the historic exterior charm being coupled with modern amenities and design trends.

It’s also likely that many of the homes you’ll find in 98290 will have larger lot sizes, although each property is different.

Types of Homes for Sale in 98290

One advantage of the 98290 being such a broad region is that there is a significant variety of homes available.

From small starter homes to larger multi-family farmhouse style properties, there is something for everyone.

If new construction is more your thing, you’ll also be pleased to know that more and more development continues to happen throughout 98290 — while still preserving the charm that the region has to offer.

The best way to get started in your search for homes in 98290 is to get connected with an experienced agent that works extensively in the Snohomish area.

Real Estate Agents in 98290

Our team of agents at Gilpin Realty know the ins and outs of not only Snohomish, but the real estate market as a whole.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to call home, a perfect spot near all your local favorites, or a piece of land to begin a brand-new venture, we’re here to help you succeed in your real estate search.

We are here to help with any real estate questions that you may have. Click here to get in touch or call directly at (360) 568-2181.

Chasing the Perfect Pour: 4 Great Snohomish Breweries

Posted on by Rebekah Ueland

There is a beverage that suits every season. Some enjoy a glass of lemonade on a sunny day, others feel comfort in a warm cup of tea during the winds of winter.

But ask around the area, and you’ll encounter many kindhearted folks who believe it’s always the right weather for an expertly crafted beer from one of the many Snohomish breweries.

Thus, chasing after the perfect pour in Snohomish becomes something of an all-season event. Whether you’re a fan of lagers, IPA’s, stouts, or even have a strong preference for ciders, there’s a place for you to enjoy good company and take a load off from your day.

As your local Snohomish brewery experts, we’d like to guide you to your next most delicious pour at one of our exceptional local breweries. Here are a few of our favorites, in no particular order!

1|  Audacity Brewing

Audacity Brewing is first up on our list, boasting a menu that’s every bit as adventurous as the brewers themselves. The Audacity owners describe themselves as having a “willingness to take bold risks.”

They bear a simultaneous respect for the history and tradition of brewing, while offering their own unique take on the art, creating unique beers for the community to enjoy.

As the beer menu at any brewery rotates fairly quickly, it would be difficult to make specific recommendations for you on a beer… since it could be gone by the time you get there!

But at the time of writing this, one of our favorites is the Morning Mood which is a tasty stout made with maple syrup and local Velton’s coffee. It’s the perfect beer for a little coffee boost as the days get shorter and shorter heading into winter.

You can learn more about Audacity Brewing at their website or by swinging by their taproom at 1208 10th St Ste C Snohomish, WA 98290.

2|  Sound to Summit Brewing

Next up on our list of Snohomish breweries is the spacious and innovative Sound to Summit Brewing.

Sound to Summit is an exceptional brewery that puts a great emphasis on sourcing local ingredients. One of their freshest tasting beers is the Lager 180 which, fittingly, sources all its ingredients from within 180 miles of the brewery. Doesn’t get much more local than that!

The brewery’s namesake plays an echoing role with many of their beers, which often are named after major bodies of water or mountains in the area. Everything from the depths of the sound to the peaks of the summit!

Sound to Summit also has a heated patio and delicious food on their menu, so it’s a great place to stop for a while and enjoy some laughter with your friends or family. Plan your next visit! Take a look at their website here or make a pit stop off of Bickford at 1830 Bickford Ave Ste 111 Snohomish, WA 98290

3|  Spada Farmhouse Brewery

A relatively new addition to the main historic downtown Snohomish area, Spada Farmhouse Brewery is quickly becoming a local favorite.

The interior of the brewery is well-suited for gatherings of any size, with a cheerful patio open during the nicer months of the year (or if you’re brave enough to bear the cold). Their tap list changes regularly, but they almost always offer something with superb citrus notes.

We’d argue that Spada Farmhouse has some of the tastiest food on this list, and they’re a great beginning to an evening of enjoyment along 1st Street in Snohomish.

Make a point of checking them out. Have a look at their atmosphere and menu on their website here or take a walk up to pay them a visit at 709 1st Street Snohomish, WA 98290.

4|  Hammered Dwarf Cider

Looking to bring a little bit more fantasy into your weekend out? Look no further than the Hammered Dwarf Cidery just off the main drag of Snohomish.

Though not a true Snohomish brewery (in the sense that there is no beer) we’d be remiss not to include a cider option for those who have sensitivities to beer or gluten intolerance.

Hammered Dwarf’s menu is filled with all kinds of fun and inspired ciders that trace their roots to fantasy elements. Fans of Tolkien and similar fantasy authors will feel right at home here.

What’s more is that they primarily brew their cider using traditional cider apples. The result is that their ciders can be drier and boast more complex flavors than ciders that normally use culinary apples.

Find out more about Hammered Dwarf here, or go have your own unexpected journey there at 9029A 112th Dr SE Snohomish, WA 98290.

The Best Breweries in Snohomish

Listing out only four breweries/cideries barely scratches the surface on what Snohomish has to offer. We highly recommend that you check out as many as you can to see which one suits your mood and tastes the best.

A few other honorable mentions to check out are Haywire, SnoTown, and Lewis & Main. Do you have a hidden Snohomish brewery of your own to share? We want to know! From all of us at Gilpin Realty, we wish you hours of merriment and fond memories this holiday season. We’re here to help with your every housing need here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.