Happy Friday!

There’s plenty of buzz in Seattle and Snohomish County this week!

We’re looking at the area’s hottest zip codes for home appreciation and Everett is getting state-of-the- art green aerospace startup!

I’ve also got some key spring home maintenance tips for you to take a look at to make sure your home is ready for the warmer weather.

— Lisa

🔥 The Hottest Seattle Area Zip Codes for Home Appreciation

Driving the news: Data shows that the Seattle area is seeing significant appreciation on home values.

Details: The Kirkland ZIP code 98034, which includes Totem Lake, Kingsgate, and Inglewood-Finn Hill, experienced the highest increase in typical home values compared to the previous year in the greater Seattle metro area, according to Zillow data shared with Axios.

By the numbers:

• Homes in King County's 98034 ZIP code, where the typical home value is $1,037,527, saw an 11% appreciation year over year.

• The 98012 ZIP code in Snohomish County, which includes Mill Creek, saw typical home values rise 10% to $1,010,654.

• ZIP codes 98011 in Bothell and Woodinville, 98224 in Baring, and 98241 near Glacier Peak in Snohomish also saw a 10% increase in typical home values.

Why it matters: Despite a decrease in housing inventory, prices continued to rise in most areas of Seattle, even as affordability declined, according to Zillow chief economist Skylar Olsen.

The big picture: Nearly all major U.S. metro areas experienced an annual increase in typical home values, according to Olsen.

Among the 50 largest metro areas, only Austin, San Antonio, and New Orleans saw values decline.

Between the lines: Local growth varies due to factors such as job opportunities, development, and population trends, which impact supply and demand.

Zillow's analysis includes some smaller and rural ZIP codes, where houses tend to be less expensive.

The bottom line: The Seattle area's housing market continues to see significant appreciation in home values, with Kirkland's 98034 ZIP code leading the way.

🎥 This PERFECT Everett Washington Starter Home Will Surprise You

⭐️ Charming Starter in Everett ⭐️
This beautifully updated Everett home exudes vintage charm
with modern updates for comfortable living.

🔑 Highlights:

☀️ Southern-facing Windows for Abundant Light
🛏️ Main Floor Bedroom
✨ Remodeled Kitchen with Great Flow
🛁 Updated 3/4 Bathroom
🧺 Convenient Stackable Washer/Dryer
🌟 Updated Plumbing, Electrical, and Roof
🌳 Sunny Front Yard & Alley Parking

A perfect blend of classic character and contemporary comfort – ideal for first-time homebuyers! 🏡

📍 2119 Rainier Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
💰 $430,000

🛫 Everett Gets Green Aviation Startup

Driving the news: Green aviation startup ZeroAvia has opened a new 136,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, to produce electric propulsion systems for aircraft.

Details:

• The facility, named the Propulsion Center of Excellence, is located close to ZeroAvia's existing research and development facility in a building formerly occupied by Collins Aerospace.

• ZeroAvia plans to manufacture its ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine, a 500- to 750-kilowatt powertrain for aircraft seating up to 20 people, with a range of up to 300 miles.

• The company aims to receive certification for the ZA600 by the end of 2025 and produce several hundred units per year at the Everett facility.

Why it matters: ZeroAvia's expansion in Everett shows the growing importance of clean aviation technology and the potential for significant revenue generation in this sector.

The company has already received pre-orders for around 2,000 engines, which could generate over $10 billion in revenue.

The big picture: The aviation industry is increasingly focusing on reducing its carbon footprint, with major players like Airbus and American Airlines investing in companies like ZeroAvia to develop clean propulsion technologies.

What's next: In addition to the ZA600 engine, ZeroAvia is developing a larger powertrain for 30- to 90-seat aircraft, expected to enter production by 2027.

The company is also scouting for sites to open another facility to support the production of its hydrogen fuel cell system.

The bottom line: ZeroAvia's new manufacturing plant positions Everett, as a significant player in the development of clean aviation technology.

🌸 Spring Into Action: Your Essential Home Maintenance Checklist

Driving the news: As we transition into warmer weather in Snohomish, homeowners should prioritize essential maintenance tasks to ensure their homes are ready for the warmer months ahead.

Details: Spring is the perfect time to tackle indoor and outdoor maintenance projects. These are a few that we recommend should be on your list each year:

Exterior Checklist 

• Clean up any remaining leaves

• Contact a professional arborist to inspect trees

• Check for cracks in your concrete surfaces/structures

• Clean your gutters and downspoutsWash your windows and doors

• Replace the batteries in your garage door opener

• Oil your garage door hinges and chain to ensure it works properly

• Apply fresh paint to shutters, siding, or outbuildings

Interior Checklist:

• Request an inspection of your home’s chimney

• Schedule a tune-up for your home’s AC

• Check your home’s plumbing for leaks

• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans

• Clean your AC air filters once a month

• Check your home’s weather stripping

• Contact an exterminator (as needed) to eliminate bugs and household pests

Why it matters: Regular spring maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and extends the life of your home's components.

By addressing potential issues early, homeowners can save money and avoid more significant problems down the line.

The big picture: Here are a few fun facts about home maintenance:

• According to a recent survey, 77% of homeowners plan to tackle at least one home improvement project this spring.

• The average cost of a professional tree inspection ranges from $75 to $400, depending on the size and number of trees.

• Regularly maintaining your AC unit can help it last up to 15-20 years, compared to an average lifespan of 10-12 years for neglected units.

What's next: As you create your spring maintenance checklist, prioritize tasks based on their urgency and the potential impact on your home.

Consider creating a budget for necessary repairs and upgrades, and schedule professional services well in advance to avoid busy periods.

The bottom line: Investing time and effort into spring home maintenance can pay off in the long run, protecting your property value and creating a comfortable living space for you and your family.

📊 Our Current Local Market Data

The real estate market is hot in Snohomish County!

If you want to buy a home in this market, you’ll need a solid strategy for searching and making strong offers. Your home search could take a while, but you’ll have to move quickly when you find a home you like.

I’m staying on top of the market daily and there are even financing options that can help you purchase at a lower rate.

If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

📰 In Other News…

• An Urbanist Guide of Things to Do in Downtown Bellevue

• Snohomish County Has Replaced or Rebuilt 56 bridges in the Past 20 Years

That’s all for today, I hope you have an amazing week!

If there’s ever anything you need:

➡️ a custom market or home value report

➡️ a home services list for a reliable contractor or services professional

➡️ feedback or a professional opinion on a home project

Just let me know! I’m here to help with all your home needs.

Talk soon,

Lisa Bender

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