Fences & Flowers

Dreaming of a new home can be fun and exciting. But when you’re ready to begin the buying process, it can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Should you move to a different state? Should you stick around? Do you want a different kind of home? Is the busy city calling your name or are you content with rural peace and quiet? How can you find the best real estate agent and lender?

In the Pacific Northwest, the real estate market is on fire. It’s been a seller’s market for a while, and 2017 is showing the same trends. Folks want to live here, and we can’t blame them. But finding the perfect home with such low inventory is tough. And winning the bidding war? That’s an even bigger challenge. So what’s a buyer to do?

Also known as Nob Hill, Northwest Portland or the Alphabet District, Portland Uptown is one of the city’s most alluring neighborhoods. With everything to offer from renowned rose gardens to world-famous ice cream shops, the sightseeing opportunities in this community are endless! Below, we’ve picked out the best of what Uptown has to offer and packed it into one fun-filled day for the entire family. Follow the carefully planned itinerary, or mix-and-match to create your own Uptown adventure.

I consider myself a Foodie, but I’m by no means a fantastic cook; I just love food. Practice makes perfect, and someday I may be confident in my ability to throw anything together and create a tasty dish. Until then, I often find myself in various restaurants and hot spots in and around Seattle. If you’re looking for culinary variety, you won’t be disappointed! Trust me. 

Spring is just getting started. But already, Seattle has experienced summer-like weather with temperatures higher than 80 degrees, and plenty of sunshine. In the Pacific Northwest, you learn to take advantage of such glorious days! There's a lot to do outside, in and around Seattle and Portland.

How much is enough when it comes to investigating what will most likely be your largest financial investment?

Of all the places I’ve visited in and around Seattle, Tacoma continues to surprise me the most. I’ve driven through it countless times on road trips down I-5, and you see so much of it from the road, it’s easy to assume you’ve experienced the city in its entirety. But if you head off the freeway and explore, you’ll see the best Tacoma has to offer. There are hidden gems everywhere in this town.

If there’s one place in the entire Seattle metro area I visit more than anywhere else, it’s Bellevue. My niece and I both love it, and frequently find ourselves in and around Bellevue Square on the weekends for a bite to eat or something new for our wardrobe. Eating, shopping, recreation… there’s a little bit of everything, and a lot of opportunity, for everyone.

During the holiday season, the Mount Baker Community Club holds its biennial Home Tour, this year to be held December 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting at the Clubhouse at 2811 Mr. Rainier Drive. The Home Tour allows the public to get a special glimpse inside six of its older stately homes, as well as its newer modern homes, and enjoy the festive decorations and magic with friends, complete with warming holiday treats and tea at the Clubhouse. Guests can walk the tour or use free shuttle transportation.