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Happy Spring 2024!
 

March/April 2024

Welcome to the March/April 2024 issue of our newsletter!

Spring is Here! This issue includes our market insights, a new GG magazine, a special local business spotlight, and much more! Check out "In This Issue" for a quick preview.

Also, April is National Volunteer Month — celebrate by volunteering some time to your favorite nonprofit organization or cause!

We are grateful for your continued support of our team!

In This Issue

  • Market Insights
  • New GG Magazine - The Island Issue
  • At Home with E&V
  • Local Business Spotlight
  • Selected Local Events and Happenings
  • Etcetera
 

MARKET INSIGHTS

We are here to answer your questions!

Navigating the Recent Changes in Real Estate Commissions

We know there have been a lot of recent headlines and stories online about the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reaching a settlement regarding real estate commissions nationwide. Unfortunately, some of this information may be inaccurate or misleading. As your trusted real estate advisors, we want to assure you that any settlement will not change our commitment to providing our clients with exceptional service throughout their real estate journey.

What Does the Settlement Mean?

The settlement is complex, but one key change is that it reinforces a practice that has been emphasized in Washington State for years: real estate broker commission rates are negotiable. Another proposed change in the settlement is the requirement for real estate brokers to enter into buyer broker agency agreements with all buyers. As we discussed in our November/December 2023 newsletter and again in our January/February 2024 newsletter, buyer agency agreements are already a legal requirement in Washington State, effective as of January 1, 2024. 

Additionally, there are proposals to prohibit buyer broker commissions from appearing in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This means the commission offered to the buyer's agent by the seller, if any, would not be allowed to be displayed on a listing in the MLS, which would be different from the current practice in our MLS.

Here for You Every Step of the Way

We are committed to providing you with the highest level of expertise and market knowledge, regardless of your price point and regardless of the proposed changes in real estate commissions. One of our goals in any transaction is to ensure you achieve your real estate goals with the least amount of stress. As skilled real estate advisors, we can save you money in the long run by ensuring a smooth transaction, avoiding costly mistakes, minimizing risks and potentially negotiating better terms for you.

Moving Forward

If you have any questions or concerns about the recent settlement or real estate commissions in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here as always to guide you through the process and ensure a successful real estate experience.

 

What questions do you have about the real estate commissions settlement? Give us a call or send us a text or email with your questions, or better yet, let's meet to discuss.

Fontanez Laing Team
 

NEW GG MAGAZINE
THE ISLAND ISSUE

GG Magazine - The Island Issue

This new issue of GG Magazine, "The Island Issue," is all about the endless appeal of islands, featuring stories about individuals whose island lifestyles and enterprises never fail to inspire. From stunning boutique hotels and resorts to the vibrancy of cultures captured by world-renowned photographers, we welcome you to explore the stories that emulate the island dream.

Call, text or email us for a complimentary copy or click to read the online version in English or Spanish.

Read Now (English)
Lea Ahora (español)
 
Getting Your Home Ready for the Spring Market

Getting Your Home Ready for the Spring Market

 

Architectural Wonders that Showcase Iconic Properties

Architectural Wonders that Showcase Iconic Properties

Private Residences | Welcome New Beginnings with Issue 28

Private Residences | Welcome New Beginnings with Issue 28

A Glimpse into Desirable Neighborhoods in Cities Across the Americas

A Glimpse into Desirable Neighborhoods in Cities Across the Americas

 

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

In this issue, our Local Business Spotlight celebrates Women's History Month, which took place in March.

First, we shine the spotlight on some notable organizations in Seattle making a difference for women:

- Seattle-based Mary’s Place helps women and families move out of homelessness into more stable situations. For example, their Women’s Day Center in downtown Seattle provides meals, showers and access to resources for over one hundred women each day and has been serving the community for more than 20 years.

- Mujer al Volante is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower low-income immigrant and refugee women and mothers to achieve independence while promoting financial sustainability, community engagement and leadership. Jaqueline Garcia Castillo, director and founder, was recognized recently as a Hometown Hero by the Federal Way Mirror.

- Women in Film Seattle is a nonprofit organization that is committed to advancing women in the film, digital, and media industry. The organization offers events, programs and screenings for members.

- The Seattle Area Chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) creates a welcoming environment to advance the careers of women in science and technology. Programs are held monthly and are accessible to all.

And here are a few of the many women-owned businesses in and around Seattle:

Arcaro Boxing – Central District (Gym)

The Flour Box – Hillman City (Baked Goods)

Hood Famous Café + Bar – Chinatown-International District (Café)

Noir Lux Candle Bar – Belltown (Self Care)

Phở Bắc – Several Locations (Restaurant)

Sankaku – Capitol Hill (Restaurant)

Valerie Madison Jewelry – Madrona (Jewelry)

WEND Jewelry - West Seattle (Jewelry)

 

 

SELECTED LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Seattle Art Walks: April 4th-18th (find us at the West Seattle Art Walk on April 11th!)

Mount Vernon’s Tulip Festival: April 1st - 30th

Spring Fair in Puyallup: April 11th - 21st

Wine Walk in Burien: April 12th 4pm - 8pm

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival: April 12th - 14th

Aha Mele Hawaiian Festival in Puyallup: April 13th 11am - 7pm

International Children’s Friendship Festival in Seattle: April 20th - 21st 11am - 6pm

Earth Day at The Museum of Flight: April 20th 10:30am - 4pm

Free State Park Day: April 22nd

Tacoma City Marathon: April 27th - 28th

Seattle Mariners 2024 Game Schedule and Tickets

 

ETCETERA

  • Top 10 Hottest Housing Markets in WA State for 2024
  • Why Do We Celebrate Women’s History Month?
  • Inspiring Quotes for Women's History Month
  • Top Family Vacations in April
  • How To Make The Most Out Of Your Time And Your Life
  • Here is your Women’s History Month Playlist
 

Thank you for reading!

Julie Fontanez and Robert Laing

Thank you for reading!
Fontanez Laing Team

Fontanez Laing Team

Global Real Estate Advisors

 

Engel & Völkers Seattle

 

1208 4th Avenue Suite 6B I Seattle I WA 98101

Julie Fontanez: 206.651.5770 | julie.fontanez@evrealestate.com

Robert Laing: 206.552.0599 | robert.laing@evrealestate.com

www.fontanezlaing.com

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