Colleen Clayton - Seattle Real Estate

This oversized home offers so much inside & out: in-unit laundry, secure garage + storage unit, a huge semi-private patio perfect for late afternoon lounging in the setting sun, ample closet space, a peek of the Olympics, and a kitchen layout home cooks will appreciate with separate dining space. Plus, a living room you need to see to believe: high ceilings, wood-burning fireplace, natural light from big south & west facing windows, and so much space - enough to carve out a dreamy home office or sunny reading nook facing the lush greenery of Woodland Park just across the street. Step outside to the bus to downtown, or explore Phinney Ridge’s stellar dining options, the zoo & Green Lake - all a short walk away. Pet friendly & no rental cap!

With flex spaces to accommodate dynamic lives, updated finishes for modern flair, mature landscaping in a spacious yard, super close proximity to shopping centers & transit lines, and a squeaky clean inspection report - this welcoming home in the peaceful North Creek Park neighborhood of Martha Lake has it all! The main level boasts an open floor plan: an updated eat-in kitchen opens to both a living room & separate dining space (or 2nd living room) with gas fireplace; there’s also a bedroom, full bath, and pantry. Upstairs, a 3rd living room is the perfect bonus room/home office/rec room, leading to 2 large bedrooms, one en-suite with a walk-in closet. Come summer, you’ll appreciate the evaporative cooler & 680 sf deck, a 4th living room!

Ever notice this building from I-5 S and wonder what it is? I got a closer look at it last weekend when visiting the Pacific Bonsai Museum (highly recommend!) and am smitten with it! It’s the former Weyerhaeuser HQ but has been closed since 2016 and sits vacant (though seemingly pristinely maintained). I’d love to see a creative adaptive reuse of this unique structure, it’s truly stunning!

One more new homeowner to close out the year! It has been so rewarding to help so many clients find their homes in West Seattle this year, particularly a handful in my own neighborhood. The Highland Park / White Center area has so much to offer, and it's been exciting to watch new businesses open up in storefronts that have been empty since before the pandemic. Much like this great little home: lacking in curb appeal for the moment, but with 2 fully remodeled floors that are each a separate living space plus a mega three car garage that could even be a 3rd unit, there's so much potential!

Hooray for Megan & Jake and their awesome new home that is about to get a professional makeover! You don't have to be an interior designer to see the potential this spacious home offers, but it sure did help when it came to seeing past the carpet and the sherbet colored walls ;) They saw the vision and I can't wait to see how they make it their own. Perched on a hill with epic views of the mountains on these clear, crisp days, and a terraced front yard bursting with fall color, this'll be one to love for seasons to come. Congratulations, you two!

💛🍂🍁🐕🍁🍂💛

Double congratulations are in order for Jen on the sale of her longtime home in Shoreline, and purchase of a snazzy new pad in Greenwood to downsize in style with a stunning kitchen and swoon worthy city views! 🌃 It was a bit of a nail biter at times, but her patience and trust were admirable as we navigated the simultaneous processes that allowed us to close back to back. Buying & selling a home at the same time can go a couple different ways, with strategies to fit the needs of your budget, your logistical demands, your timeline…and your risk tolerance! Either way you tackle it, consulting with a trusted agent & lender is always step one 😉

MY FRIENDS BOUGHT A FARM! And wow, am I excited for them, proud of them, and so honored to have been along for the ride to help represent them. This transaction required a lot of patience, resiliency, creative problem solving, collaboration, and hard work from everyone involved, and after 2 months, I am thrilled to report it's finally CLOSED today! Now, the fun part begins...Chelcie & Troy have big plans to continue the organic farm and expand the event venue, and I'm looking forward to collaborating on all kinds of exciting events in the future. I mean, a pretty dreamy place to get married, am I right...? 😜

MY FRIENDS BOUGHT A FARM! And wow, am I excited for them, proud of them, and so honored to have been along for the ride to help represent them. This transaction required a lot of patience, resiliency, creative problem solving, collaboration, and hard work from everyone involved, and after 2 months, I am thrilled to report it's finally CLOSED today! Now, the fun part begins...Chelcie & Troy have big plans to continue the organic farm and expand the event venue, and I'm looking forward to collaborating on all kinds of exciting events in the future. I mean, a pretty dreamy place to get married, am I right...? ;)

I teased of other big announcements in a prior post (and no, it’s not just new hair 💅🏼)…I’m going back to school! Last week I attended my first classes as a grad student at the University of Washington! 📚

I’ll be pursuing a Masters of Urban Planning & Design starting in January, a 2 year program that will hopefully prepare me to help tackle some of the problems in housing that I’ve come face to face with alongside my clients during my career as a real estate agent. I couldn’t be more excited to have a concrete direction towards which to channel the growing angst I’ve felt about the future of housing in the US, and specifically at home here in Seattle where we badly need new inventory and equitable housing solutions that are more attainable for more of the population.

What does this mean for my work in real estate? Well, for one, I’ll be even more informed on a broader spectrum on hot topics like zoning, community planning, housing trends, etc - can’t wait to talk your ears off about everything I’ll be learning, if you’re curious to know! But I’ll also still be plugged in to all things real estate, and continuing to work with clients during my time in school and beyond. I plan on narrowing in my focus to work with current clients, referrals from friends, family, and past clients - so while you probably won’t catch me making the open house rounds every weekend like I used to, I’ll be just as dedicated towards my clients’ endeavors and am never too busy to connect with someone in your life who might need some real estate guidance!

Super grateful to everyone who has shown enthusiastic support & encouragement for this decision - it was daunting to consider taking this leap, but I feel so, so sure that this is where I’m meant to be devoting my energy and experience to in the coming chapter of my life.

One more exciting tidbit to share next week… 🤭

This cheery, sunny home in Shoreline's North City neighborhood has so much to offer! The main floor's living/dining area is spacious & light-dappled: large picture windows welcome in the morning sun; hardwood floors, a built-in corner hutch & corner fireplace imbue cozy charm. There are 3 generously sized bedrooms & a full bath on the upper level, and a 4th bedroom & 3/4 bath on the lower level with an additional rec room, bonus room (perfect home gym!), mud room & tons of storage - the ideal layout offering space for everyone, and everything! The huge yard is a blank canvas for budding gardeners: a level lot with patio & a great balance of sun & shade. Walk to Safeway, the library, or the future LightRail station - all just blocks away!

Let's talk about off-market sales! The unicorn of real estate, in my opinion, in that these opportunities are rare, and rarer still that they actually end up coming together.

For buyers, coming upon an opportunity to buy a property before it hits the market can be a no-brainer: you get to avoid competition

For sellers, there's a trade-off that can be well worth it: you're essentially trading market exposure for convenience. While the opportunity for bidding wars and escalated offers that can come with that is removed from the equation, in return, you may be able to get away with doing more limited prep, not having to live in a home that's on the market, and generally, reduced costs of selling.

Both parties typically benefit from having a more relaxed process from start to finish, with negotiations that can feel less fraught, and timelines that feel more flexible.

This turnkey townhome with snazzy custom upgrades was an off-market success story! When the sellers mentioned to their neighbor that they were thinking of selling, interest was piqued and we were able to put together an easy breezy transition that worked great for all parties. A true win-win!

I've been remiss in acknowledging the quick turnaround of this move-in-ready Tacoma townhouse last month! Sincere thanks to Tyler & Haley for trusting me to represent them in the sale of their home. Having purchased just a couple years ago, margins were tight here but we not only got them under contract with a profitable offer, but did so within just 3 days on market! Big congratulations to the new buyer as well - this is such a great, affordable find with huge investment potential for years to come.

EXCITING NEWS! (the first of a couple of big things that have been in the works...but no spoilers!)

I've joined Compass, a technology-driven real estate
company. Fusing the best of a brokerage and startup, it will elevate my business and provide
you with the best service possible.

I was impressed by the tools Compass offers to empower agents, including an unmatched tech suite, dedicated operational support staff, sophisticated design-forward branding, and a growing reputation of excellence around the country.

I am eternally grateful for all that I've learned and all the laughs I shared with my beloved real estate family - I truly wouldn't be in the position I am today, sharing the first of a couple of big developments, without their support, guidance, experience, and love. Thank you for everything.

You wouldn’t believe the things you can do with A-10 zoning! 🌾

Such a delight to have been along for this ride with Kate & Andrew! We first met over Instagram a couple years ago, explored lots of beautiful pockets of Western Washington and some super cool homes (a geodesic dome, a retro party pad, a converted barn, among others) and then they were gifted the ultimate real estate golden ticket: an opportunity to buy their dear friends’ home! Couldn’t be more thrilled for you and your growing family of animal pals.

Does your dog have a favorite spot in the yard? When she’s at her “summer home” 😉 you can find Emerald lounging in the shade under the Japanese maple sapling.

Couldn’t be more delighted to shortly welcome not one, but TWO homes of new neighbors to my beloved little pocket of West Seattle! A happy coincidence that both of these buyers will be a block from each other, and just 4 blocks from me. I’m excited for them to experience firsthand the sweet community of Highland Park. ☺️

Your pied-a-terre in one of Seattle's premiere buildings awaits! The Concord is a top notch Belltown address with amenities to match: 24/7 concierge, fitness center w/hot tub & sauna, 2 roof decks w/sweeping views of the Olympics & Sound, business center & lounge, a guest suite for out of town visitors - plus secure garage parking & additional storage. This true one-bedroom features in-unit laundry, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplace & range, and a covered terrace. Concrete construction & insulated windows keep the home quiet from street noise. Outside your door, the city awaits: walk to the Seattle Center, Pike Place, Sculpture Park, block after block of fabulous restaurants, boutiques, and bars. Pet friendly, no rental cap!

These two buyer's stories are tales of tenacity! Sometimes getting creative, having patience, and coming up with contingency plans is the name of the game in real estate, and I'm so proud of these buyers who are trusting the process as it all comes together. The finish line is in sight!

Huge congratulations to Kate & Andrew (and Kona & Bento & cats & future farm pals!) for securing the ultimate opportunity - an off-market sale from dear friends! I couldn't be more honored to chaperone them as they navigate their first home purchase. As much as I will miss our far-flung adventures looking at quirky properties, I can't wait to hand off their keys when closing day rolls around. Counting down the days! 🗓️

This one didn’t last long during this go-around on the market! We scooped up this listing after several months on the market listed by another agent, with next to no showings and no offers. After just a week post listing makeover and price correction, we got a full price offer and just made it through a seamless inspection contingency. Who you work with matters!

Once in a while, a hiccup comes along while under contract that requires tenacity, patience, flexibility, and some crossed fingers & clenched teeth. 😬This one involved a little bit of everything: some lender struggles, inspection repairs down to the wire, title clouds, a missed closing date, HOA confusion, and agents on the other side that weren’t super engaged. Fortunately, Brianna & Will rode out the process like absolute champs, keeping their eyes on the prize and trusting that I was fighting for them. And look - here’s something you should know about me: I don’t give up. 🧨 We got there, and I’m so proud of my first time buyers for taking this first step on their wealth building journey with this screaming deal of a starter home that they’re paying *less than the median rent in Seattle for*.

Puget Sound waterfront living for the discerning entertainer & hobbyist, this home features timeless finishes, inspiring vistas & ample space for hosting, tinkering & living well. Unobstructed mountain & sound views from each of the 3 levels overlook a terraced lot (a gardener’s dream w/irrigated beds & greenhouse) & 63’ of low bank waterfront. Gourmet kitchen w/stainless steel appliances & vast granite counters flows into dining & 2 living rooms; plus a home office & wine cellar. A sanctuary of a primary suite offers an oversized closet, spa-like 5 piece bath & fitness room. The additional 2 beds each have their own bath; a 3rd living space is the ideal media room. Garage parking for 4 cars, plus all the storage you’d ever need.

Aww, shucks! ☺️ Thank you, Michelle & Gautam - you were absolutely incredible to work with, too. Grateful for your trust and your kind words.

Hip hop hooray to West Seattle’s newest residents! So thrilled for Michelle & Gautam - can’t wait to see how they make this killer new pad their own. Welcome to the neighborhood! 🔑

An appreciation post of Emerald appreciating pillows. 🛋️ Buy your dog a house, fill it with pillows, send me photos. Thank you.