real estate

Are You Planning A Move To Improve Your Commute?

Carolyn Adolph — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:28:07 +0000

The real estate market has loosened up and some people are feeling mobile again. If you're feeling mobile, is this your chance to get a home that makes your commute easier? And if you're separated from your work by Lake Washington, how does tolling play into your decisions?

Answer this question.

Big House On A Small Lot: The Land Use Debate Rises Up

The Conversation With Ross Reynolds — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:08:41 +0000

A recent trend has emerged in Seattle’s single family neighborhoods: new houses, on undersized lots. The trend came about after developers discovered a loophole — or what some call an opportunity — to get exceptions for undersized lots established as separate building sites before 1957. Some of these new houses popped up in what neighbors assumed was just a backyard. Some of them are three stories high. Ross Reynolds talks with Montlake resident Erin Miller who hopes to put an end to this trend and breaks down the argument with Roger Valdez and Mark Hinshaw.

Al Gore Takes On "The Future"

Weekday with Steve Scher — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

On day one of our spring pledge drive, we bring you some of our conversation with Al Gore. In his new book, “The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change,” the former vice president and media mogul takes an in-depth look at major shifts in the world, from globalization to automation, digital connections, population growth and the biological breakthroughs that are bringing humans into greater control of their evolution.

Goodbye Greyhound, Hello Huge Hotel

Liz Jones — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:29:52 +0000

A new mega-hotel proposed for downtown Seattle aims to draw more big conventions to the city. The developer posted its official public notice with the city Thursday, as a first step in the approval process. The proposal is to build a 43-story tower on the block that’s currently home to the Greyhound bus station.

Housing Prices Climb In Seattle, But Have They Climbed All The Way To Recovery?

Producer — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:47:11 +0000

Seattle homes are now worth 14.4 percent more than they were a year ago. That’s according to Seattle based real estate firm Zillow, who release monthly reports on the value of homes in Seattle and elsewhere in the region. On the national level, the US has just made it through our 12th straight month of increasing home values. Top Zillow officials say that these numbers are a good indicator that local and national housing markets are showing significant improvements. Ross Reynolds talks with Zillow's Cheif Economist Stan Humphries about buying, selling and renting in western Washington.

A Look Inside A Micro Apartment

Producer — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:00:00 +0000

We've been taking a look at the rise of microhousing in Seattle. Tiny apartments that offer cheaper rent for less living space have been popping up in high demand neighborhoods like the University District and Capitol Hill. Some residents have voiced concerns over the new developments, fearing they skirt zoning laws and create too much density too quickly. Today, KUOW's Jeannie Yandel takes us inside a micro apartment. Also, we'll talk with Seattle microhousing developer Jim Potter.

Rising Popularity Of Microhousing

Producer — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 +0000

As the cost of living continues to rise in the city, people are finding it harder to find an affordable place to live. To accommodate the demand, developers are building microhousing -- tiny studio apartments with private bathrooms that share a kitchen with other units. The microhouses boast affordable living in high-demand neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill and the University District. However, residents in some neighborhoods fear the developments skirt zoning laws and create too much density too fast. City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen is considering legislation that could put new restrictions on microhousing. He joins us to explain.

Seattle's Pike-Pine Corridor Gets New Arts Space

Marcie Sillman — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:21:26 +0000

The 12th Avenue Arts project will transform a Seattle Police Department parking lot into one of Capitol Hill's newest multi-use buildings. In addition to retail and apartments, the building will include two theaters and office space for three small theater companies.

Western Idaho Resort Muddles Through Extended Limbo

Tom Banse — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:08:17 +0000

DONNELLY, Idaho - The real estate crash triggered some big bankruptcies in the Northwest, but few are as spectacular and convoluted as the foreclosure of the unfinished Tamarack Resort in western Idaho. What was supposed to be the Northwest's newest destination resort remains in extended legal limbo, but plucky homeowners are keeping it alive until a new buyer arrives.

A foreclosure auction on the courthouse steps is an outcome most people want to avoid.

Your Housing Questions Answered

Steve Scher — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

The housing market is showing signs of recovery and construction has started once again on developments delayed by the recession. That doesn’t mean everyone is in good shape. Many homeowners remain underwater, with home values nowhere near the purchase price. Then there are the questions about refinancing or buying something new. Real estate and housing experts Richard Hagar and Linda Taylor are here to help. Call 206.543.5869 with your questions or send us an email at weekday@kuow.org.