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Welcome to NW Destination Living

My name is Kirsten Robertson and I am a real estate broker of 18 years with Windermere Real Estate in Bellevue WA. I have a husband name Frank, two children and two step children who are all young adults. I am at that prime age for buying a second home. That is where this story starts…. 

It’s January 1, 2021. 

We just closed the door on one of the worst years I can remember. COVID-19 has wracked the world in terms of both the disease and it’s affect on the global economy.  In March 2020, life went from normal to just plain weird in the blink of an eye.

I mean, one year ago, who would have thought we’d be debating mask fashion and function, trying (and often failing) to bake the perfect loaf of sourdough bread, or making early morning Costco runs to secure a package of toilet paper. 

I turned 50 in March, 2020 and had planned on a year of fun- traveling, seeing friends and enjoying the richness of my mid-life. Although we made it to Costa Rica for my birthday, like many, we’ve had to pivot and do more local travel this year. We already spend a lot of time in Chelan and this year was no exception. We’ve owned a view lot on the South Shore where we had planned to build and so we frequently visit friends there.  We also make at least one trip to Walla Walla each year to wine taste. We went twice this year. Additionally we took a long road trip as far south as Lake Tahoe, through Bend, Ashland and Crater Lake. We live in a beautiful area full of amazing places I could easily live. 

Aside from travel, the real estate market went gangbusters this year. Many people moved out of the urban core and to the suburbs. Others just moved completely out of the area, now having more mobility due to work-at-home mandates. Vacation areas like Chelan saw huge numbers of people moving in or buying second homes. Interest rates dropped, prices escalated, competitive offers ensued. 

And that brings me to the reason I have started this blog. As one who has always dreamed of owning a second home I have spent much time looking at homes for sale in every place we have ever visited. Over the years I have met many great realtors in these markets and learned much about owning and purchasing a second home. While I will cover those topics in this blog, more importantly, I want to be able to give you information on these beautiful areas. Not just about the real estate but about the people, the culture, the recreation, the vibe. 

The Pacific NW is chock full of great places. Love wine (like me!) we have Walla Walla, Yakima Valley and Chelan for that.  Love the ocean? The San Juans or Whidbey are great getaways. How about hiking, or skiing? Cle Elum, Leavenworth, Snoqualmie Summit are ideal. Love to golf? Well, that’s everywhere!  

With the growing demand for second homes I hope to provide a resource for anyone interested in visiting and ultimately buying a second home. Even if you are looking to buy out of state in say Arizona, there will be good information for you here as well. Most importantly, if you need a connection to a good realtor in any of these markets please contact me. I would love to help you find someone trustworthy and experienced to work with. 

So Happy New Year! I raise a glass to 2021 hoping for a renewed existence for all of us. Let us be safe, healthy, mask-free, able to hug our loved ones, eat at the bar or go to a crowded concert. And most of all, traveling to places both near and far. 

I hope you enjoy the journey along with me!

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Starting the Second Home Journey  

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Starting the Second Home Journey  

For me, owning a second home is a dream I have had for a long time. It began in my 20’s. I was just married, making a ...

Welcome to NW Destination Living

About

My name is Kirsten Robertson and I am a real estate broker of 18 years with Windermere Real Estate in Bellevue WA. I hav...

a

Welcome to NW Destination Living

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