Quarterly Market Trends • Seattle Metro • February 13, 2018

Seattle Metro Quarterly Market Trends

by Heather Potts

Price growth was particularly strong in 2017! Median was up 15% and average price up 14% over 2016. Median price in 2017 landed at $710,000 and the average at $801,000. The average amount of days it took to sell a house in 2017 was 18 days, which is 10% faster than 2016. The average list-to-sale price ratio over the last year was 103%, with the spring months as high as 106%! In 2017, inventory growth continued to be a challenge, with a 3% decrease in new listings compared to 2016. Even with inventory limitations there were 4% more sales! This phenomenon illustrates strong buyer demand and a need for more listings.

Demand for Seattle Metro area real estate has grown due to close proximity to job centers. Over the last year, Seattle Metro was 40% more expensive than south Snohomish County and 75% over south King County. Historically low interest rates continue to drive the market as well, they have helped offset the increase in prices. Sellers are enjoying great returns due to this phenomenon and buyers are securing mortgages with minor debt service.

This is only a snapshot of the trends in the Seattle Metro area; please contact me if you would like further explanation of how the latest trends relate to you.

North King County • Quarterly Market Trends • February 13, 2018

North King County Quarterly Market Trends

by Heather Potts

Price growth was particularly strong in 2017! Median and average prices were up 14% over 2016. Median price in 2017 landed at $715,000 and the average at $787,000. The average amount of days it took to sell a house in 2017 was 17 days, which is 19% faster than 2016. The average list-to-sale price ratio over the last year was 104%, with the spring months as high as 107%! In 2017, inventory growth continued to be a challenge, with a 4% decrease in new listings compared to 2016. Even with inventory limitations there were a near equal amount sales! This phenomenon illustrates strong buyer demand and a need for more listings.

Demand for north King County real estate has grown due to close proximity to job centers while maintaining a neighborhood feel. Over the last year, north King County was 41% more expensive than south Snohomish County and 77% over south King County. Historically low interest rates continue to drive the market as well, they have helped offset the increase in prices. Sellers are enjoying great returns due to this phenomenon and buyers are securing mortgages with minor debt service.

This is only a snapshot of the trends in north King County; please contact me if you would like further explanation of how the latest trends relate to you.

Quarterly Market Trends • South Snohomish County • February 13, 2018

South Snohomish County Quarterly Market Trends

by Heather Potts

Price growth was particularly strong in 2017! Median was up 14% and average price up 12% over 2016. Median price in 2017 landed at $508,000 and the average at $543,000. The average amount of days it took to sell a house in 2017 was 24 days, which is 17% faster than 2016. The average list-to-sale price ratio over the last year was 101%, with the spring months as high as 103%! In 2017, inventory growth continued to be a challenge, with a 1% decrease in new listings compared to 2016. Even with inventory limitations there were 4% more sales! This phenomenon illustrates strong buyer demand and a need for more listings.

South Snohomish County real estate has seen a steady stream of buyers come our way due to affordability, reasonable commute times to job centers and quality of life. In fact, the median price in 2017 was 41% higher in north King County. Historically low interest rates continue to drive the market as well, they have helped offset the increase in prices. Sellers are enjoying great returns due to this phenomenon and buyers are securing mortgages with minor debt service.

This is only a snapshot of the trends in south Snohomish County; please contact me if you would like further explanation of how the latest trends relate to you.

North Snohomish County • Quarterly Market Trends • February 13, 2018

North Snohomish County Quarterly Market Trends

by Heather Potts

Price growth was particularly strong in 2017! Median and average prices were up 13% over 2016. Median price in 2017 landed at $371,000 and the average at $400,000. The average amount of days it took to sell a house in 2017 was 35 days, which is 10% faster than 2016. The average list-to-sale price ratio over the last year was 99%, with the spring months as high as 101%! In 2017, inventory growth continued to be a challenge, with an 8% decrease in new listings compared to 2016. Even with inventory limitations there were 3% more sales! This phenomenon illustrates strong buyer demand and a need for more listings.

North Snohomish County real estate has seen a steady stream of buyers come our way due to affordability and quality of life. In fact, the median price in 2017 was 37% higher in south Snohomish County. Historically low interest rates continue to drive the market as well, they have helped offset the increase in prices. Sellers are enjoying great returns due to this phenomenon and buyers are securing mortgages with minor debt service.

This is only a snapshot of the trends in north Snohomish County; please contact me if you would like further explanation of how the latest trends relate to you.

Local News and Events • January 29, 2018

Good News on HIRST!

by Heather Potts

Good News on Hirst!

by Bill Clarke, Director of Public Policy | Jan 19, 2018

The Governor has signed SB6091, a REALTOR® supported bill, to fix the State Supreme Court’s Hirst Growth Management Act decision regarding water availability for new private wells.

The final Hirst legislation includes the following components:

For local building permit and subdivision decisions, local governments do not have to review new exempt wells for “impairment” of instream flows. This reverses the basic legal conclusion of the Supreme Court’s Hirst decision.
For projects in basins with Ecology-adopted exempt well limits or mitigation requirements,those rules still govern. In other basins, specific allowances for new wells are created in statute. The limit is 950 gallons per day average annual use per connection; other basins are up to 3,000 gallons per day; while other basins (non-GMA counties or areas with no instream flow rules) can again operate under the 5,000 gallon per day exempt well limit.
Certain areas of state are excluded from the bill and thus these exempt well allowances: the Skagit Basin, and the Yakima Basin (Kittitas, Yakima, and parts of Benton County).
Existing wells are grandfathered, and deemed to have satisfied the requirement to have a legal water supply under the State Building Code.
The bill allows local governments to rely on existing Department of Ecology rules for purposes of meeting the requirements of the Growth Management Act.
There are no new mitigation or metering requirements tied to well construction or new building permits, and there is a one-time fee of $500.

Additionally:

Local committees are established to identify projects to offset impacts to instream flows. The scope and composition of these committees varies by whether the county completed a Watershed Plan under the state’s Watershed Planning Act. Local committees may recommend rulemaking changes to Ecology, but the committees themselves are not regulatory. Ecology retains its current rulemaking authority.
$300 million ($20 million per year over 15 years) is allocated to fund projects and local planning efforts to restore instream flows and aquatic habitat.
Certain cities and water purveyors are allowed to proceed with water rights permitting, and a Legislative Task Force is established to make recommendations on how new water rights for municipal uses can be mitigated.

The attached table, prepared by the Washington Water Policy Alliance, has a basin-by-basin breakdown of the applicable exempt well allowances.

Questions on the Hirst Decision?
Email Bill Clarke, Director of Public Policy
Washington REALTORS®

WRIA disposition in Proposed SSB 6091

Source: Prepared by WWPA – January 18, 2018

#	WRIA name	ISF status	Exempt	Limit on GPD
1	Nooksack	Pre 1990		Up to 3,000 gpd
2	San Juan	None
3	Lower Skagit Samish	Post 2001 (really pre – reverted to old rule)	Yes – Ct. Dec.
4	Upper Skagit	Post 2001 (really pre – reverted to old rule)	Yes – Ct. Dec.
5	Stillaguamish	NEW
6	Island	None
7	Snohomish	Pre 1990		950 gpd
8	Cedar Sammamish	Pre 1990		950 gpd
9	Duwamish Green	Pre 1990		950 gpd
10	Puyallup White	Pre 1990		950 gpd
11	Nisqually	Pre 1990		Up to 3,000 gpd
12	Chamber Clover	Pre 1990		950 gpd
13	Deschutes	Pre 1990		950 gpd
14	Kennedy Goldsborough	Pre 1990		950 gpd
15	Kitsap	Pre 1990		950 gpd
16	Skokomish Dosewallips	None
17	Quilcene Snow	NEW
18	Elwah Dungeness	NEW
19	Lyre Hoko	None
20	Soleduc	None
21	Queets Quinault	None
22	Lower Chehalis	Pre 1990		Up to 3,000 gpd
23	Upper Chehalis	Pre 1990		Up to 3,000 gpd
24	Willapa	None
25	Grays Elokoman	Proposed
26	Cowlitz	Proposed
27	Lewis	NEW
28	Salmon Washougal	NEW
29	Wind White Salmon	None
30	Klickitat	None
31	Rock Glade	None
32	Walla Walla	NEW
33	Lower Snake	None
34	Palouse	None
35	Middle Snake	None
36	Esquatzel Coulee	None
37	Lower Yakima	Adjudicated	Adjudicated
38	Naches	Adjudicated	Adjudicated
39	Upper Yakima	Adjudicated	Adjudicated
40	Alkaki Squilchuck	None
41	Lower Crab	None
42	Grand Coulee	None
43	Upper Crab Wilson	None
44	Moses Coulee	None
45	Wenatchee	NEW
46	Entiat	NEW
47	Chelan	None
48	Methow	NEW
49	Okanogan	Pre 1990		Up to 3,000 gpd
50	Foster	None
51	Nespelem	None
52	Sanpoil	None
53	Lower Lake Roosevelt	None
54	Lower Spokane	None
55	Little Spokane	Pre 1990		Up to 3,000 gpd
56	Hangman	None
57	Middle Spokane	NEW
58	Middle Lake Roosevelt	None
59	Colville	Pre 1990		Up to 3,000 gpd
60	Kettle	None
61	Upper Lake Roosevelt	None
62	Pend Oreille	None

LEGEND

BLUE	NEW ISF rules (post 2001) – will follow restrictions in current Ecology rules
YELLOW	OLD instream flow rules that have a watershed plan and will use watershed planning format for recommendations
GREEN	OLD instream flow rules that do not have a watershed plan or have a partial plan and will use Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committees for recommendations
GREY	WRIAs that are exempt from coverage in bill
NO COLOR	No instream flow rule and no restrictions under bill – can use current law – up to 5,000 gpd

Newsletter • January 27, 2018

Commute Times, Price Premiums

by Heather Potts

The Value of Location, Location, Location

Flickr Photo/SounderBruce (CC BY SA 2.0)/http://flic.kr/p/MzGznr

It is the time of year when I like to re-cap the price premiums in our area based on commute times. The price divide continued in 2017 between key market areas in the Greater Seattle area based on proximity to major job centers. These pricing premiums have cemented the drive-to-qualify market. Seattle proper has always been more expensive than its neighboring suburbs, but the most current prices illustrate the extreme value of a shorter commute.

In 2017, the average sales price for a single-family residential home in the Seattle Metro area was $801,000, up 14% from the year prior! In south Snohomish County (Everett to the King County line) the average sales price for a single-family residential home in 2017 was $543,000, up 12% from the year prior, however 48% less expensive than Seattle Metro.

Further, if you jump across Lake Washington to the Eastside, the average sales price in 2017 for a single-family residential home was $1,049,000, up 16% from the year prior and 31% more expensive than Seattle Metro! The Eastside has the infrastructure to support their own job centers, making it a second “Seattle”, with the benefit of newer and larger housing stock, which reflects the pricing. Many folks are living and working on the Eastside, or using the 520 toll bridge to jump over to Seattle.

In 2017, closed transactions were up 4% in south Snohomish County despite fewer new listings coming to market, which I think was driven by its affordability compared to Seattle and the Eastside. Snohomish County offers lower prices, larger houses and yards, new construction, lower taxes, strong school district options and longer, yet manageable commute times. Newer transit centers and telecommuting have also opened up doors to King County’s little brother to the north.

Another hot button that has continued to influence pricing is the future expansion of Light Rail and the locations of the planned stations. We have seen home values in these areas sell at a premium as consumers anticipate the shorter commute times the rail will bring. These neighborhoods are experiencing zoning changes now and the additional expansion is being phased in over the course of the next 15 years. There will be more multi-family and commercial development in these areas, creating more density to serve the public using these commuting services. This has created great appeal for homeowners that want to get in on the ease of nearby public transportation, and developers eager to be part of the infrastructure growth. Stations at Northgate, 145^th & 185th in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood are all slated to open over the next 3-6 years.

No matter which neighborhood you are interested in learning about, in either King or Snohomish County, I am happy to provide a 2017 re-cap of that market. I work in both counties and understand each of their nuances. 2017 was another eventful year in real estate and we are looking for that to continue in 2018. With these strong market prices, we hope to see an increase in inventory levels, providing more options for buyers and allowing price growth to temper to sustainable levels. Check out the article below that touches on Matthew Gardner’s, Windermere’s Chief Economist, 2018 predictions for the national housing market. I attended his local forecast this week and if you’d like a copy of his presentation, outlining what he thinks is in store for our area, please email me. I’d be happy to forward it along and explain his findings. Here’s to a successful 2018!

Newsletter • January 3, 2018

6 Predictions for 2018…

by Heather Potts

At Windermere, we have the privilege of working with esteemed economist, Matthew Gardner. Throughout the year, I have shared his quarterly Gardner Reports which delineate out all the different housing markets in Western Washington and reports on price appreciation and sales data. Below is a recent article he wrote about predictions for the 2018 real estate market; which was picked up by several news sources, including Inman News.

As a bonus, I recently had the opportunity to chat with him and get some specific insights on the Greater Seattle real estate market for 2018 and have included those at the end of this article. 2018 looks to be another strong year in real estate. If you are curious about how the market might affect your bottom line, please contact me. It is my goal to help keep my clients informed, empower strong decisions and create exceptional results. Here’s to a very happy New Year!

What Can We Expect From the 2018 Housing Market?
by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate

Millennial Home Buyers
Last year, I predicted that the big story for 2017 would be millennial home buyers and it appears I was a little too bullish. To date, first-time buyers have made up 34% of all home purchases this year – still below the 40% that is expected in a normalized market. Although they are buying, it is not across all regions of the country, but rather in less expensive markets such as North Dakota, Ohio, and Maryland.

For the coming year, I believe the number of millennial buyers will expand further and be one of the biggest influencers in the U.S. housing market. I also believe that they will begin buying in more expensive markets. That’s because millennials are getting older and further into their careers, enabling them to save more money and raise their credit profiles.

Existing Home Sales
As far as existing home sales are concerned, in 2018 we should expect a reasonable increase of 3.7% – or 5.62 million housing units. In many areas, demand will continue to exceed supply, but a slight increase in inventory will help take some heat off the market. Because of this, home prices are likely to rise but by a more modest 4.4%.

New Home Sales
New home sales in 2018 should rise by around 8% to 655,000 units, with prices increasing by 4.1%. While housing starts – and therefore sales – will rise next year, they will still remain well below the long-term average due to escalating land, labor, materials, and regulatory costs. I do hold out hope that home builders will be able to help meet the high demand we’re expecting from first-time buyers, but in many markets it’s very difficult for them to do so due to rising construction costs.

Interest Rates
Interest rates continue to baffle forecasters. The anticipated rise that many of us have been predicting for several years has yet to materialize. As it stands right now, my forecast for 2018 is for interest rates to rise modestly to an average of 4.4% for a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage – still remarkably low when compared to historic averages.

Tax Reform
There are changes to the income tax structure that could potentially have a significant impact on homeowners and the housing market. The first is the mortgage interest rate deduction which will be capped at $750,000 – down from $1,000,000. In theory this can be considered a tax on wealthy households, but there have been nearly 100,000 home sales this year where the mortgage loan was over $750,000 (almost 4% of total sales), so the effect will be felt more broadly.

That said, this change will disproportionately affect high-cost markets in California, New York, and Hawaii, and to a somewhat lesser degree, it will also be felt in Seattle, and parts of Colorado and Arizona. The capping of the deduction for state and local property taxes (SALT) at $10,000 will also negatively impact states with high property taxes, such as California, New York, and New Hampshire.

The final tax bill also eliminates the deduction for interest on home equity loans which is currently allowed on loans up to $100,000. This is significant because it will largely affect the growing number of homeowners who are choosing to remodel their home rather than try to find a new home in supply-starved markets like Seattle.

While these measures will likely have a dampening effect on housing, I do not believe they will lead to a substantial drop in home values. However, there is a concern that it will lead to fewer home sales, as households choose to stay put so they can continue to take advantage of the current mortgage interest deduction. The result could be fewer listings, which could actually cause home prices to rise at above-average rates for a longer period of time.

Housing Bubble
I continue to be concerned about housing affordability. Home prices have been rising across much of the country at unsustainable rates, and although I still contend that we are not in “bubble” territory, it does represent a substantial impediment to the long-term health of the housing market. But if home price growth begins to taper, as I predict it will in 2018, that should provide some relief in many markets where there are concerns about a housing bubble.

In summary, along with slowing home price growth, there should be a modest improvement in the number of homes for sale in 2018, and the total home sales will be higher than 2017. First-time buyers will continue to play a substantial role in the nation’s housing market, but their influence may be limited depending on where the government lands on tax reform.

https://www.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/1701
Gardner, Matthew. “What Can We Expect From The 2018 Housing Market?” Windermere Real Estate. Windermere.com, 8 December 2017. Web. 27 December 2017.

A Conversation with Matthew

It is always a pleasure to talk with Matthew. We recently discussed his thoughts on the Greater Seattle real estate market and what he sees shaping up for 2018.

Millennial homebuyers were more of an influence in the Greater Seattle market in 2017 because of the robust hiring that corporations such as Amazon have made. He thinks that this will continue to grow in 2018, because the cost of rent continues to rise at a rapid pace and in many cases owning makes superior financial sense. For example, it is not unheard of to pay $3,000 a month in rent for a unit in South Lake Union. While this eliminates a commute, it is an incredibly costly payment that goes entirely towards the landlord’s investment. If one is willing and able to pay that much in rent, it is important to look at the fact that that number is equivalent to a mortgage payment on a $550,000 home! He predicts that we will see more millennial homebuyers move out to the more traditional suburbs to start building their wealth in real estate. Ideally, Millennials would love to live in “ex-urban” areas that are still close to their places of work; however, listings are slim and prices very high for this type of product.Therefore, he expects to see Millennials having to look at the suburbs when deciding where to buy.

In 2017, net in-migration totaled 50,000 in the Greater Seattle area. Matthew predicts that we will see the same in 2018 due to our robust job market and Californians continuing to move to the area. Employment in the region will continue to expand, but at lower rates than seen in 2017. That said, he sees more wage growth than job growth in 2018 as companies have done so much hiring over the last 3 years, and now they are focused on maintaining their employee base. Amazon has signed on to occupy 5 million additional square feet of space over and above the 8+ million square feet that they currently occupy, so we will continue to see job growth there. The unemployment rate will stay below 4% in 2018.

Matthew believes we will see a slight increase in inventory taking our market to hot from boiling. Some new construction will help this increase and he does expect to see some Baby Boomers deciding to either cash-out and leave the area, or downsize. This inventory growth should temper price growth and increase sales by 6%. In 2017, we saw a year-over-year price appreciation rate of 13% in the Greater Seattle area, and he predicts 8-8.5% for 2018. This is still well above the normal rate of 5.5%, but certainly much more sustainable than 13%!

Lastly, Matthew is adamant that we are not headed toward another bubble. The average down payment in the Greater Seattle area is now over $100,000 and home owners have great equity positions, which is a critical ingredient to a non-bubble market. Additionally, credit is still very tight and buyers are very highly qualified, and the rampant speculation that is the key sign of a bubble is not being seen locally. His biggest concern is affordability, and that we need to continue to find ways to create more housing through zoning changes and decreasing the cost of regulation for builders. This density would create more affordable housing.

Toys
Think about taking some of your children’s gently used toys and donating them to a charity after the holidays. It’s a great way to teach your children the importance of giving. For each gift they receive, let them select one toy to donate. Donated items are a tax write-off, so save the receipt.

Gift Cards
Every now and then you might get a gift card to a store or restaurant that is not your favorite. Below are ways to get them out of your wallet.
Exchange, sell or donate to charity:

Holiday Lights
Most of us end up with old strands of lights that don’t work. Don’t throw them away before looking into one of these options for recycling.

Christmas-light-source.com
HolidayLEDs.com
McLendon’s Hardware (all locations)
Recology CleanScapes
Point Defiance Zoo & Girl Scouts of Western Washington (several locations)

When shopping for new holiday lights, ask retailers if they have a lights recycling program. More info here.

Christmas Trees
Most cities have curbside tree recycling or a Boy Scout troop in the area that will take trees for a small donation. Most yard waste collection providers require the tree to be cut in pieces before placing into the yard waste bin. Contact your county for more information:

King County: Curbside recycling available
Snohomish County: Check with your yard waste collection service or city government website
Pierce County: curbside recycling if subscribed to yard waste collection

As a Realtor, I see lots of home maintenance gone astray at home inspections. Regular, seasonal maintenance is paramount to avoiding bigger problems down the road. As we head into the depths of winter it is important that we address specific home maintenance items to keep our homes safe, warm and free from damage. Did you know that you can switch the direction of your ceiling fan to spin clockwise and it will help circulate warm air and create more efficiency? For a complete list of tips click here.

City Guides • November 29, 2017

Your Guide to Dining & Shopping in the Mill Creek Town Center

by Heather Potts

One of Mill Creek’s top attraction is the popular Mill Creek Town Center! “The city now has a mixed-use, city-sponsored complex called the Mill Creek Town Center…,” shares our own Travis DeFries. “It is easy to spend several hours walking the sidewalks and checking out the small, local businesses, along with the numerous wonderful restaurants.”

Indeed, with everything at your fingertips, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in the big city: “I love the convenience and the downtown feel of the Mill Creek Town Center,” says Ginna Demme. “I can grab my coffee, get a manicure, grocery shop, and run other errands all in the same great spot!” Tonya Tye agrees, noting “the Town Center is a fun place to walk around, go for coffee, dessert or dinner.”

Here is your complete guide to dining and shopping in the Mill Creek Town Center (as recommended by locals!):

Central Market Mill Creek

Located at 15605 Main St. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 7:00am-11:00pm

When it comes to grocery shopping in Mill Creek, no place beats the Town Center’s own Central Market. “Central Market is a destination grocery experience,” says Jen Bowman. “Best produce, delicious prepared foods for a quick and healthy meal, awesome sushi, and great floral selection for cut and potted plants and flowers.”

Heather Potts agrees, noting “Central Market Grocery Store has the best selection of fresh fruit, wine, seafood, meats, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh sliced deli meats and cheeses, a large selection of organic foods, sushi and more.” Follow Heather’s suggestions and “grab a bite to eat and enjoy the outdoor courtyard or stop to shop for a special dinner…” No matter what, you are sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience at this store that, as Heather simply puts, “has it all”!

Outdoor Concerts

Located at the Forum (15111 Main St. Mill Creek, WA 98012)
Hours: 6:00pm-8:00pm Wednesdays

There is much more to Mill Creek’s Town Center than just shopping, as Travis can tell you: “In the summer they have free outdoor concerts every Wednesday night from 6-8 PM. Bands that have played this year include Fabulous Roof Shakers, The Infinity Project, Big Dog Revue, High Voltage, Highway 9, Cherry Cherry, Sly Mr Y, Creme Tangerine and Ventura Highway Revisited.”

They have expanded this year’s series into September, so check out the Town Center events calendar for more info (and get your dancing shoes ready!).

Azul Restaurant & Lounge

Located at 15118 Main St. #100 Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 11:00am-1:00am Monday-Friday (Dinner served until 10:00pm Sunday-Thursday, 11:00pm Friday-Saturday) ; 9:00am-1:00am (Brunch 9:00am-3:00pm)

Whether you’re looking to wind down after a long work week or want to take the family out to a nice dinner, Azul Restaurant & Lounge is an excellent choice: “Azul Restaurant & Lounge is located in the Town Center and is open for lunch and dinner each day,” shares Travis. “Its upscale, casual environment, paired with the Latin-inspired cuisine, makes Azul a perfect gathering spot in Mill Creek.”

Check out their popular Happy Hour menu, featuring $2.00 chips and salsa, drink specials, and some of the best Mexican and Caribbean dishes this side of the border.

University Bookstore Mill Creek

Located at 15311 Main St. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 9:00am-8:00pm Monday-Thursday; 9:00am-9:00pm Friday-Saturday; 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday

Back-to-school time is here again, which means it’s time to stock up on everything you will need to start the year off right. Luckily, Mill Creek Town Center is home to one of 6 local University Bookstores.

“UW Bookstore has great selection of gifts, UW apparel, and specialty magazines and newspapers,” says Jen. Indeed, whether you’re looking for a new book to read, some reference guides, or something to show off your Husky pride, you will find it and so much more here.

Elliott Bay Pizza & Pub

Located at 800 164th St. S.E. L Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 11:00am-9:00pm

What could be better than pizza? How about pizza paired with 18 varieties of cold craft beer? Elliott Bay Pizza & Pub is a local favorite and go-to spot for Travis and his family. This family-friendly locale is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and features one of the best menus in the Town Center.

“They make their own special dough each morning to be used for their incredible pizzas and sandwiches,” says Travis. “They also serve a wide variety of great pasta dishes and salads.” While you’re here, be sure to take advantage of their beer selection, too: “They have also become very well known in the area for their extensive beer selection and ever-changing beers on tap,” Travis shares. “If you are looking for something not found everywhere else, you need to come here!” Indeed, Elliott Bay Pizza & Pub is one pizza place you will definitely not want to pass up.

Pacific Fly Fishers

Located at 1018 164th St. S.E. Ste. A-22 Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm Monday-Friday; 10:00am-6:00pm Saturday; 11:00am-5:00pm Sunday

“If you’re a serious outdoorsman,” Becky Larsen states, “check out Pacific Fly Fishers. Expert service in your own backyard.” Indeed, everything from boats, flies, lines, and other fishing tools, to classes and water quality resources provided by passionate local fishers, gives you all you need to hone your skills and become a true master fisherman.

La Palmera Mill Creek

Located at 15224 Main St. #202 Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 11:00am-11:00pm Sunday-Thursday; 11:00am-1:00am Friday-Saturday

Opened in 1991, La Palmera has been serving up delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine for 26 years. “La Palmera is a favorite Mexican restaurant,” Becky says. “Family owned and great food.” If you’re a fan of grande burritos, sizzling fajitas, and margaritas made with premium tequila, this restaurant is the place for you.

Hot Yoga Inc. Mill Creek

Located at 15217 Main St. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 6:00am-9:30pm Monday-Thursday; 6:00am-7:00pm Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday; 8:00am-6:30pm Sunday

If you’re looking to put a little more zen in your life, check out Hot Yoga Inc. This low-impact exercise routine works with your body’s natural range of motion to help you lose weight, de-stress, and become your best self.

As an added bonus, Heather shares that “Hot Yoga Inc. has a $10 new student 10/10 deal and [is] one of the only studios with infrared heating.”

Mill Creek Sports

Located at 13616 Bothell Everett Hwy. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday

Local sports fans cannot seem to get enough of the new Mill Creek Sports, located just near the Town Center. “Just down the road is the location of the new Mill Creek Sports, which is known as one of the best sports memorabilia shops around,” shares Travis. “They outgrew their previous place in town and now have a huge 2-story facility to house their items.”

“Mill Creek Sports is known throughout the greater Seattle area as the place to go if you want sports memorabilia,” Brian Hayter notes. “They have an incredibly wide selection of authentic autographed Seattle and beyond sports items. A must see for a sports fan!” Travis agrees, adding that “several times per month they also bring in high profile current or retired sports stars to sign autographs. Anyone and everyone has been there to sign autographs!” Whether you’re looking for a gift or looking to meet your sports hero, you will love the offerings at Mill Creek Sports.

City Guides • November 29, 2017

The Top 10 Things To Do With Kids in Mill Creek

by Heather Potts

WindermereNorth_MillCreek_MillCreekSportsPark5-200x300.jpg

There is no end to the fun your child can have with the awesome parks and programs offered in Mill Creek! From top-of-the-line sport complexes to unique class offerings, there is something for every age, interest, and skill level.

Here are 10 of the best things to do with kids in Mill Creek (as recommended by locals!):

Mill Creek Sports Park

Located at 13903 North Creek Dr. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 7:00am-9:00pm

If you’re looking for a spot for your kid’s next sports game, check out the Mill Creek Sports Park. “The Mill Creek Sports Park is located at the corner of Bothell-Everett Hwy. and Trillium Blvd. and is the location for a fantastic mixed-use sports field that is used by both soccer and baseball/softball,” shares Travis DeFries. “It is a turfed field, so a little bit of rain doesn’t cancel games, it has lights to be able to play up until 10 PM and it even has a snack shack and announcers booth!” With other amenities like a Tot Lot and picnic tables, the whole family can enjoy the great outdoors while cheering on the home team.

Mill Creek Skate Park

Located at Mill Creek Sports Park (13903 North Creek Dr. Mill Creek, WA 98012)

Another popular feature of the Mill Creek Sports Park comes recommended by both Travis and Tonya Tye. The Mill Creek Skate Park offers a wide range of bowls as well as an innovative street course that consists of several sections tied together, an 8-stair down rail, and much, much more. Whether your kid’s a beginner or a seasoned skating pro, he or she will find the perfect challenge at this local favorite spot.

Mill Creek Little League

Located at 14105 11th Dr. S.E. Mill Creek, WA 98012

“Mill Creek Little League has one of the largest and most successful Little League programs in the state,” shares Travis DeFries. “Every year they have over 800 boys and girls between the ages of 4-18 play baseball or softball. 9 years ago, the 12-year-old All-Stars ended up being the NW representatives at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. This year the 10-year-old and 11-year-old boys All-Stars teams both finished 2nd at the state tournament. This year, the 12-year-old girls softball All-Stars won the state tournament for the 2nd year in a row! The took 2nd place in the regional championship game to represent the West in the World Series. They lost a heartbreaker 1-0 in extra innings, but went down in history as the best softball team to ever come out of Mill Creek!”

If your 5-18 has expressed interest in baseball or softball, sign them up for Mill Creek Little League this year!

Giggle & Wiggle Playscape

Located at 3226 132nd St. S.E. #105 Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: Drop-In Play: 10:00am-1:30pm & 3:00pm-6:00pm Monday-Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm Saturday-Sunday; Birthday Party Time Slots: 6:00pm Monday-Friday, 12:00pm, 2:15pm, & 4:30pm Saturday-Sunday

When it comes to spending fun, quality time with your little one, no place beats the Giggle & Wiggle Playscape. This local indoor playground features soft equipment that gives kids the chance to jump, climb, run, and tumble, and develop motor, coordination, and balance skills in the process. Get your kid away from the screen and into some real-world adventure today at Giggle & Wiggle.

Applause Studio

Located at 17903 Bothell Everett Hwy. #103 Bothell, WA 98012
Hours: Click here for complete schedule of upcoming classes

If your child loves being on stage, they will love the opportunities that await at Applause Studio. Varieties of dance, musical theater and acting, and other great classes teach students the fundamentals of performing and help them to build confidence and stage presence (all while having fun). With a free trial class offered for all new students, there is nothing to lose by checking out this fun spot!

SafeSplash Swim School Mill Creek

Located at 15024 Main St. Ste. A Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 8:30am-8:30pm Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Saturday, 9:00am-3:00pm Sunday; Class Hours: 3:45pm-8:00pm Monday & Wednesday, 10:15am-2:15pm Saturday

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun has to! At SafeSplash Swim School, kids get the opportunity to learn how to swim in a safe, state-of-the-art environment from passionate instructors who know how important swimming is for a child’s lifelong safety, development, and confidence. No matter what level your child is at, there is a lesson tailored to his or her needs with individualized attention and top-notch customer service that makes SafeSplash unlike any other swim school around.

Mill Creek Parks with Playgrounds

Mill Creek certainly has no shortage of great local parks with playgrounds that kids will love. Buffalo, Cougar, Heron, Highlands, Hillside, Library, Nickel Creek, Pine Meadow, and Silver Crest Park all offer playgrounds perfect for climbing, sliding, jumping, and running off some steam while parents enjoy some much-needed relaxation time at a picnic or open grass area. Click here to learn more about these parks and to find the one closest to you.

North Creek Trail

Located from McCollum Park (600 128th St. S.E. Everett, WA 98208)-North Creek Park (1001 183rd St. Bothell, WA 98012)

According to Tonya, “there are some nice walking trails near the downtown area and around Village Green Drive.” One of these trails is the scenic North Creek Trail, which links the cities of Mill Creek, Bothell, and Everett. Filled with lush plant life, a serene duck pond, and other natural beauties, this trail provides the perfect opportunity for you to get your kids off the couch, active, and making meaningful connections with their local environment.

Arena Sports and Entertainment

Located at 13500 Bothell-Everett Hwy. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Opening: Fall 2017 (click here for construction updates)

Sports lovers will have even more to enjoy in Mill Creek near the end of this year. “Just down from Mill Creek Sports is the new Arena Sports complex that is scheduled to open this Fall,” says Travis. “It is a 98,000 square foot facility that will include a full family entertainment center destined to be the go-to-destination for parties, special events, group activities and more. Activities include an indoor inflatable playground, bowling (both full-size lanes and mini five-pin lanes), multi-floor laser tag arena, rock climbing tower, two-story ropes course, 100 arcade games, on-site dining and two indoor soccer fields that can be used for recreational games and practices.” Check out all the info on Arena Sports now because once it’s open, your kids will never want to go anywhere else!

Recreation, Community Events, & Other Programs

On top of all of the amazing opportunities for sports, education, and fun in Mill Creek, the city itself also offers a wide variety of recreation, seasonal community events, and unique programs for kids. From annual holiday favorites like “Trunk or Treat” or the Santa parade, to innovative cooking, sports, and other creative classes, your children can get off the couch and socialize, learn new skills, and make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Registration for fall and winter is now open, so be sure to check out the guide here for a complete list of available programs and upcoming events.

City Guides • November 29, 2017

3 Ways to Stay Active in Mill Creek

by Heather Potts

If you’re looking to stay active in Mill Creek, you’re in luck. From sports venues to miles of trails, there is no end to the opportunities you can take advantage of!

Here are a few of our favorite tips for staying active in Mill Creek:

Mill Creek Sports Park

Located at 13903 North Creek Dr. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Hours: 7:00am-9:00pm

If you’re a baseball, softball, or soccer lover, you will find the perfect place to play at the Mill Creek Sports Park. Field lights over the diamond and soccer field, a concession stand, and bleachers allow your family and friends to stay and cheer your team onto victory, while the Tot Lot and ADA accessibility means that everyone can enjoy all that the park has to offer. “This Mill Creek Sports [Park] also has a huge, brand new facility,” shares Jen Bowman, so you are guaranteed to experience top-of-the-line amenities at this popular park.

Mill Creek Country Club

Located at 15500 Country Club Dr. Mill Creek, WA 98012
Opening Times: 11:00am Monday; 7:30am Tuesday-Thursday; 7:00am Friday; 6:30am
Saturday-Sunday
Range Hours: Closes at 7:00pm Tuesday-Wednesday & Friday-Sunday; Closes at 3 Thursday; closed Monday

If golf is more your thing, you will want to check out the Mill Creek Country Club. “The Country Club is a private club that has a gem of a golf course that people love to play,” says Travis DeFries. You can enjoy the picturesque sites of Mill Creek while testing your skill on this beautifully-manicured 18-hole course. Dust off your clubs and come see why the Mill Creek Country Club is regarded as one of the premier golf facilities in all of Snohomish County.

Mill Creek Walking Trails

Staying active in Mill Creek is easier than you might think. “Miles and miles of walking trails linking parks all over Mill Creek is one of my favorite features [of the city],” Jen shares. 60 different trails loop throughout Mill Creek, providing some of the most scenic walking, running, biking, and horseback riding opportunities around. Whether you need a place to get in your daily workout or just want to enjoy some fresh air and peaceful nature, you will find what you’re looking for on these gorgeous trails.