2011 has been a great year here on the Everett Area Real Estate blog. We’ve journeyed through time, investigated housing components, organized our living quarters, and shared relevant tax tips. Yeah, we’ve been busy.
Here’s a look at the top 5 most popular posts of last year:
1. History of Snohomish County Homes: The Victorian
So, what’s the story behind the Victorian ages of homes? What’s the deal with all the elaborate woodwork, turrets, scallops, and massive covered porches? Prior to the Victorian era (we’re talking late 1875-1900), homeowners could only dream about luxuries such as central heating, indoor running water, and artificial lighting. The comforts of home enjoyed in the late 1800s, early 1900s were brought about by a few key elements.
2. Single and Shopping for a House: Tips for Women Going Solo
We’ve come a long way, baby. And no, I’m not talking about Virginia Slims (“You’ve got your own cigarette now, baby, you’ve come a long long way!” Such a misguided marketing strategy . . . .). Ah, but for the independent, single women out there, we truly have come a long way in the home ownership category.
3. Homeowner Taxes: To Deduct or Not, that is the Question
As a new homeowner, you may have a few questions about the elusive tax terminology being batted about among talk show hosts and news pundits. Okay, okay, they’re probably talking about Jennifer Aniston’s new hairdo for her upcoming movie. Again. Here at the Everett Area Real Estate blog, we’re going to get a jump start on The Tax Man; this will be especially helpful for you homeowner newbies. So, rather than waiting until next spring to sort through all the rules, regulations, and your recycle bin, have a plan: make a list, check it twice, and set up your system now. Trust me, when April 14th arrives, you’ll thank me.
4. Going Green One Room at a Time: The Bathroom
Are you Eco Friendly? Are you using Bio-Based Products? Are you aware of the toxicity of your home’s Volatile Organic Compound output? I know. Sometimes, it’s not easy being green. If the thought of “going green” sends you into a tailspin of overload paralysis, consider the wisdom in using baby steps and taking one room at a time. Keeping in mind the old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” let’s take a step back and look at making environmentally friendly improvements to one of the most-used rooms in your home: the bathroom.
5. Sustainable Housing: It’s Not Your Mother’s Mobile Home
It seems everyone’s going green these days; let’s acknowledge our Seattle roots (pun intended) and take a look at today’s version of the prefab home and their emphasis on sustainable living. Prefabricated homes aren’t new – they’ve been around since the early 1900s, thanks to Mr. Richard W. Sears and his handy mail-order Modern Homes program.
Thanks for joining me in 2011– I look forward to learning more about the real estate world together in 2012. My name is Joni Kerley, specializing in the greater Snohomish County. Please give me a call (425-343-4545) regarding your home buying or selling questions.
