August 29, 2018
Providing Scholarships and School Supplies to Students in Need
Posted in Windermere Foundation by Marilou Ubungen
It’s that time of year again! As families prepare to send their kids back to school, Windermere agents have been out in their communities raising money to support programs that provide school supplies and scholarships to students in need.
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August 27, 2018
Building Character - Balancing a Home's Personality and Amenities
Posted in Buying by John Trupin
It's sometimes said that the limitations of a house are what help make it a home. For many, however, it is a point of pride to accept only the finest in their new residence. How can you find the balance between cultivating a lived-in home with personality and quirks versus a house with cutting-edge amenities that improve quality of life? To get to the bottom of that, we gathered a list of six...
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August 22, 2018
Outfitting Your Home to Survive the Threat of Wildfires
Posted in Living by John Trupin
Much of the Western United States is grappling with the same issue this summer – the specter of smoke and fire from some of the largest forest fires in recent memory. For individuals, even the decreased air quality can be a threat, while the destruction that the fires themselves can wreak is devastating. Homeowners living near impacted areas are often left with an impossible choice...
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August 20, 2018
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Home Addition Construction
Posted in Architecture by John Trupin
When dissatisfaction with your current home strikes, it can be exciting to launch into a plan for a new addition. A new living room, bedroom, or more can add value to your home while improving your quality of life. On the other hand, even a modest addition can turn into a major construction project, with architects and contractors to manage, construction workers...
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August 16, 2018
How Zoning and Regulatory Costs Impact Housing Affordability
Posted in Economics 101 Videos by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner explains the ways zoning rules and regulatory costs can limit housing affordability.
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August 15, 2018
The Most Ambitious Trends in Luxury Pool Design
Posted in Luxury by John Trupin
When it comes to luxury home design, if you can imagine it, it can be done. In-home spas, luxe bowling alleys, and glass wine rooms are just a few examples we’re seeing out there. The same idea extends outdoors to swimming pools, which are a must for most luxury homes. But we aren’t talking about just any old backyard pool; they’re usually more masterpiece than mainstream. We consulted...
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August 13, 2018
Refreshing Your Home and Your Spirit With Seven Easy Steps
Posted in Living by John Trupin
The yearning to move lives in the spirit of many homeowners, but that desire for something new is often at odds with what feels feasible. That sense of newness needn't come from a dramatic uprooting, however. The great part about having a home of your own is you can make improvements and give your home a chance to evolve over time. You just need to help your home live up to its potential! We...
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August 09, 2018
Montana Real Estate Market Update
Posted in Montana Real Estate Market Update by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
According to the Labor Department, Montana added 2,900 non-agricultural jobs over the past 12 months, representing an annual growth rate of 0.6%. For perspective, the U.S growth rate is running at about 1.6%. Although the state has experienced significant increases in employment since the last recession, the pace of growth has slowed significantly, which is mainly due to a lack of workers...
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August 08, 2018
Oregon and Southwest Washington Real Estate Market Update
Posted in Oregon and Southwest Washington Real Estate Market Update by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
The State of Oregon has added 30,400 new jobs over the past 12 months, representing a reasonable annual growth rate of 1.6%. It is clear, however, that job growth in Oregon has started to taper, with the annual rate dropping below 2% in the early spring of this year. This is no great cause for concern as the state has essentially reached full employment, which tends to slow employment growth...
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August 07, 2018
Idaho Real Estate Market Update
Posted in Idaho Real Estate Market Update by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
Job growth in Idaho tapered somewhat over the past few months but the state is still adding jobs at a fair pace. In total, the state has added 21,800 new jobs over the past 12 months, representing a solid growth rate of 3.1%. In May, the state unemployment rate was 3.1%, down from 3.4% a year ago. The state is, essentially, at full employment but I still stand by my forecast that Idaho will...
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