2023 Football & Hockey Schedules, Recipes & Tips…
Football is BACK and hockey is coming in hot! Scroll down for printable schedules, tailgating hacks (including how to pack the perfect cooler!), and favorite gameday recipes. Fans of all ages will also love our printable bingo sheets.
Need to brush up on your sports lingo? Check out Wikipedia’s handy football and hockey glossaries. You can say impressive things like, “Are they running a 3-4 defense?” and “It’s not icing unless the puck passes the goal line…”
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2023, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
2022 Football Schedules, Recipes & Tips…
Are you ready for some football? Fall is just around the corner and tickets are on sale now for 12s ready to cheer on a new era of promising rookies, as well as UW & WSU fans ready to show their college spirit. Scroll down for printable schedules, tailgating hacks (including how to pack the perfect cooler!), our favorite gameday recipes, and printable bingo cards to keep even the youngest fans entertained…
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com
© Copyright 2022 Windermere Mercer Island
Pro Lighting Tips to Brighten Your Home
As we approach the darkest days of the year, a few tweaks in your interior lighting scheme can brighten your home (and your mood) from the inside out. Here are some great tips from Real Simple for a lighting scheme that is flattering and functional…
- Use a combo of overhead and up lighting for a brilliant, flattering effect
- Include functional task lighting tailored to how the space is used—here are rules of thumb for wattage equivalents to use:
- Reading: 40-60 watts with minimal glare
- Work space: 60 watts max for a desk lamp, with additional soft lighting no brighter than the computer screen
- Makeup: 60-80 total watts of light (two 40-watt side sconces, or a few 25-watt vanity bulbs)
- Dimmer switches allow you to adapt lighting for multiple uses, while also saving energy and increasing bulb lifespans—newer smart plugs, switches and bulbs are an affordable and easy way to do it with added benefits like automation and color tuning
- Use a variety of upward glow for ambience + downward glow for reading
- Light three corners of the room and focus one of the lights on a beautiful object or chair
- Consider smart bulbs/plugs that allow you to adjust brightness and tone, especially if you also watch TV in this room
- Showcase the table with a chandelier or pendant placed 36-48 inches above its surface, with a max of 100 total wattage equivalent
- Avoid shadows on faces by choosing a fixture that is 1/2 to 3/4 the width of the table
- Supplement with more dim, indirect lighting such as table lamps, sconces, or battery powered votive candles
- Overhead lighting works best to illuminate work spaces—think pendants, recessed lighting, and under-cabinet lights
- Place pendants about 36-48 inches above the countertop, spaced evenly beginning 12-15 inches from either side of the island, peninsula, or table
- Position bedside lamps so that the bottom of the shade is 16-18 inches above the top of the mattress (a lamp that is 26-28 inches tall including the shade is usually a good bet)
- Soft and cozy is key–angle any bright directional lighting away from the bed, and add one or two small lamps with warm, dim bulbs for a candlelight feel
- Dimmers or smart bulbs work well here, too!
- Sidelights—such as sconces—are great for makeup and should ideally be about 36-40 inches apart to evenly light your face
- Position side fixtures about 60-65 inches up from the floor, or so that the bottom of the shades are just below eye level
- Overhead lights provide good additional illumination for showering or cleaning
- If your bathroom is large, consider a direct overhead light for the shower
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com
© Copyright 2021, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
2021 Football Schedules, Recipes & Tips…
Are you ready for some football? Fall is just around the corner and tickets are on sale now for 12s who are itching to get back to the stadium (operating at full capacity this season but with enhanced safety protocols).
Watching the game from the comfort of home? Check out these great tips on setting up the ultimate media room from The Spruce, along with our favorite gameday recipes.
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com
© Copyright 2021 Windermere Mercer Island
Thinking About Buying a Second or Vacation Home?
Here are a few tips to make sure it’s worthwhile…
These days, having your own home away from home is a compelling concept. There are many clear benefits including being able to use your home how you wish, decorate to your taste, and include your furry friends in your time away. There are also challenges to be considered as home security, maintenance, and holding expenses are nothing to ignore.
One consideration to start with is whether the home will be solely used by your family or become an income-producing vacation rental. In addition to being a lifestyle choice, this determination will impact your income taxes and insurance needs and should be made before you embark upon this journey.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both options:
Owning as a Personal Second Home
PROS
- Comfort: Returning to the same place is familiar and often more relaxing than staying in a hotel or vacation rental. It allows you to enjoy your space as you wish and include pets and hobbies in your home away from home. Proximity to your primary residence is an important factor. How long will it take to get there? You will likely visit more often if your second home takes under three hours to travel to. Choosing a location that you will enjoy for years to come is essential to making a good purchase decision.
- Convenience: The ability to keep your possessions that are used exclusively at the second home simplifies travel and packing and makes it easier to be surrounded by the things you enjoy.
- Long-term profit: While assets fluctuate in value in the short term, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate because they are located in popular areas with a geographically limited supply. At some point you could have a nice nest egg or a property that becomes a family vacation home for future generations.
- Future retirement options: A common retirement goal is to have a place to retreat for part of the year in addition to your main residence. Whether a second home will become a full-time venue in retirement or continue to be a part-time get-away, having it established before retirement gives you options.
CONS
- Initial cost: Buying a second or vacation home is a big investment. Down payment requirements are typically higher on non-primary residences and that cash outlay can take away from other investment opportunities.
- Maintenance: Your second or vacation home will require maintenance and upkeep just like your primary residence. You’ll need to plan to tackle that yourself or hire someone else to do it for you. Let it get away from you, and you will be spending your leisure time worrying about everything that needs to get done instead of relaxing.
- Commitment: When you are paying a significant amount of money each month for a second or vacation home, you may feel that you need to constantly visit the property to justify your investment. You’ll need to ask yourself if the idea of going to the same place over and over again is appealing or a turn-off.
- Other considerations: Evaluating and mitigating your exposure to natural disaster (fire, flood, earthquake, tsunami, etc.) and liability risks (guest injury, burglary, squatting, vandalism, arson) on a home that is vacant for much of the time is an important consideration. Determine how you will keep your home safe and secure.
Owning as an Income-Producing Vacation Rental
PROS
- Income to offset expenses: A good vacation rental property generally provides a healthy rental revenue which could potentially cover mortgage payments and operating expenses. Using an online short-term rental service like Airbnb makes it convenient to manage your rental property. Their website interface makes pricing, marketing, and communication with potential guests straightforward and easy. Airbnb will also oversee the billing process for you.
- Tax considerations: You may qualify for federal tax breaks and deductions related to holding your investment property. This can help offset the expense of owning and provide investment opportunities for the future.
- Long-term profit: Like a second home, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate over time. At some point you could have a nice nest egg or a property that becomes a family vacation home for future generations.
- Future retirement options: While there are tax considerations to converting an income-producing property into a personal use property, owning a vacation home allows you to insulate yourself against rising real estate prices and give you options for future use.
CONS
- Initial cost: Buying a vacation home as an investment property will require both a hefty down payment and initial start-up expenses to furnish and supply the home. You will need to evaluate that cash outlay with other potential investment opportunities.
- Management and maintenance: Vacation rentals can be costly to manage, both in terms of time and money. These properties may require seasonal upkeep and special maintenance considerations. You may even incur costs to maintain or monitor the property even when it’s not actively being utilized.
- Revenue fluctuations: Vacation rental properties are particularly sensitive to seasonal fluctuations and economic downturns, which could leave you financially exposed. Having a property that is attractive in multiple seasons is a definite plus.
- Short-term rental restrictions: Many state and local municipalities are seeking to reign in short-term vacation rentals, which could put a damper on potential revenue from these properties. Many now require a minimum rental period of 30 days. In contrast, there are locations that are ideal for these kinds of short-term rentals. Look into regional ordinances, do a Google search, and check out local newspapers to discover recent talk of changing or enforcing such codes.
- Other considerations: In addition to evaluating and mitigating your exposure to natural disaster and liability risks, you will want to consider other holding expenses. These might include higher renovation and repair costs due to high-use or damage. Most travelers expect the latest appliances and furnishings, so you will have to update every few years. Unfortunately, short-term renters are less likely to report any necessary repairs and guests are far less likely to treat the property with respect since there is no sense of ownership or obligation.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of your decision to use the property personally or as an investment, checking in with your CPA and financial advisor is a good first step. They can advise you of pros and cons of each approach, States that are more or less favorable to own a non-primary residence in, and whether you should establish a trust or LLC to hold the property in.
Having a savvy real estate broker help you understand the local scene, evaluate options, and provide vetted resources is essential, especially when you are looking in an area you are less familiar with.
Still have questions? Conact me for assistance with exploring a second and vacation home purchase locally, or I can refer you to a great broker in other areas you are considering.
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com
© Copyright 2021 Windermere Mercer Island
2018 Football Schedules, Recipes, Tips & More…
Are you ready for some football? Scroll down for printable schedules, game-day recipes and awesome tailgating hacks…
Hosting friends for game day? We’ve got you covered with everything from easy snacks to bonafide Seattle-born favorites…
1. Easy Chicken Taquitos
So quick and delectable, you can skip the freezer aisle and go fresh instead! Click here for the recipe.
2. Seahawks Popcorn
Just the right mix of sweet and salty, this perfect treat is also a breeze to make. Click here to learn how.
3. Just Good Chili
Coffee and cocoa powder? This is chili done Seattle-style, baby! Here’s the skinny.
4. Seattle Dogs
A carry-over from the 1990s grunge era, cream cheese and sauteed onions define these wholly Seattle creations. Here’s how to make your own at home.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Need we say more? Click here and let the magic begin.
6. Ivar’s Clam Chowder
A Seattle legend and oh so good for those rainy day games. Dive in!
7. Hawk Shots
Fun, festive and easier then they look. This is how you do it.
8. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Root beer is the secret to this culinary gem. Yummy in a sandwich, or eat it right out of the crock pot all by itself…we won’t tell. Here is the scoop on how to make it.
9. Avocado and Black Bean Dip
Surprisingly simple and delicious, this dip is also healthier than most. Grab some chips and check out the recipe.
10. The Paseo Cuban Sandwich
For Seattleites who know the joy of Paseo sandwiches–or anyone who just loves good food–this recipe is well worth the extra effort.
11. Crab Rangoon
For those looking to go the extra mile, these tasty appetizers will be the talk of your party. Find the full rundown here.
12. The 12th Man Margarita
The quintessential Seahawks cocktail created by Elliott’s Oyster House. Now you can mix it at home and impress your friends.
Bonus: Color Formulas for Team-Colored Frosting!
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.