Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

real estate

Web Design for McRae Homes

Mike and the Kidlets.jpg

I know I say this a lot, but I really do have the most amazing clients. From the the word “go” this sweet family was working around a baby who wanted to come early, building a new home, two little girls needing step one of education and a world pandemic.

Mike and the Kidlets

Mike and the Kidlets

Mike treats all his clients as if they are family. After all, it’s their money, their time, and their livelihood that he’s dealing with. He’s available around the clock and does whatever it takes to get the job done. Mike is the type of broker that will put on his work boots and head lamp to go in the crawl space for you, even if it’s littered with mice. He’s a unique breed of real estate agent and he’s a talented general contractor to boot.

This created an especially unique stack of challenges; creating an online vision that showcases Mike’s working style, highlights his extensive skill set and connecting it all with his talent in real estate as well. His wife Nicole is his marketing manager, house and business manager and an incredibly talented writer.

We started with a logo design that was clean and fresh with a strong and elegant bent. Working in strictly black and white, focusing on a design that was elegant enough to sell million dollar homes, but strong enough that no one would be surprised when Mike hops up on the roof to check out the gutters.

Nicole partnered closely with me to create a website that was a useful space for their clients, offering a myriad of data in a clean, friendly way. From general contracting to painting to finding a home buyer for their new listing to connecting home sellers to buyers that fall in love with their home or property, the McRae Homes website is curated to showcase their mad skill set.

Home Away from Home | A Collection of my Favorite Vacation Homes

As the weather warms up my heart turns to both my garden and vacations. There’s something magical about traveling, finding your home away from home. If you’ve been considering a vacation home, I have a collection of my favorites for you.

2025 Crestview Drive, Laguna Beach
Listed by Kim Walker, Compass

↑ Crestview Drive is a charming three-bedroom, two-bath cottage, ideally located on a private corner lot in the sought-after neighborhood of Laguna Beach’s Upper Diamond. The entry-level offers two bedrooms and a spacious bathroom with stairs leading to the main living area that features a wood-burning fireplace and custom hardwood floors. Glass doors lead you to a very special outdoor Wisteria covered logia which is ideal for al fresco dining and features a custom built-in BBQ, bar seating, gas fire, and even a kegerator to enjoy the perfect SoCal evenings. Also on the main level is a cozy master retreat with wonderful ocean views and a spa-like bathroom. Follow the stairs up to the loft level and enjoy the spectacular ocean, Catalina, coastline views, and stunning sunsets. This meticulously maintained home exudes warmth and charm with pride of ownership being evident throughout and is located just a stone’s throw from the beaches, shops, and galleries for which downtown Laguna Beach is known.

 

2644 48th Avenue SW | Seattle, WA
Listed by Chad Zinda, Metropolist

↑ Embrace the 70's. Custom-built 1975 open floor plan waiting for your modern touches. You've got choices of two primary bedroom suites, one up and one down. Fantastic location with Alki beach as your front yard and Admiral Junction in the back. Beautiful fireplace with huge vaulted wood ceilings and gorgeous beams creating dramatic surroundings on the main level. Use the deck under the cherry tree for shady outdoor entertaining. Enjoy a large open space on the lower level to use for extra fun gatherings and a great workspace. Giant laundry area and party fridge included. Create a second kitchen and lower level additional living. Two off-street parking spaces. Within easy distance of all the beachfront activities, shopping, and restaurants.

 

3701 SW 38th Avenue | Portland, OR
Listed by Jacob York, RE/MAX Equity Group

↑ FORE! Tasteful modern/mid-century home on an oversized lot with beautiful territorial views and spectacular grounds. Inside features a great room with walls of glass, oversized retractable sliding doors, 12ft ceilings, dining room, custom kitchen with quarts countertops, huge primary suite with fireplace and dual walk-in closets. Upstairs includes two large bedroom, a full bathroom and a den. Lower family room with bar. Outside enjoy the massive deck, covered patio, golf greens, waterfall & attached oversized 2-car garage.

 

6562 Beach Drive Southwest | Seattle, WA
Listed by Marilisa Vergottini, Compass

↑ A bold wall of windows fronts this iconic West Seattle contemporary, facing the water and the Olympic Mountain range beyond. Architectural highlights include double height ceilings, multiple fireplaces and re-finished hardwood floors. Interior spaces connect seamlessly with the outdoors. Upstairs you will find a private owner’s suite with fireplace and view deck, as well as a second bedroom. The basement showcases two more ensuite bedrooms and a covered patio. In the majestic maple outside, you'll find a Treehouse, designed by Pete Nelson and featured in the Treemasters episode "The Meditating Maple." It showcases a back-lit Himalayan Pink Sea Salt wall and a meditation deck. Ask your broker for the full specifications on this home.

Look Book: Mercer Island Masterpiece

Revamped: SoundTeamRealty

Sound Team Realty New Website.jpg

Jesse Paulson, Fletch Newland and Shannon Reynante are the real estate agents that make up Sound Team Realty; this team has been an incredible pleasure to work with. I love how much my agents love their clients, and the stories about this teams’ customer service are unparalleled.

This project started with a couple of hilarious meetings and some amazing writing. We took the capabilities that their previous site had and upgraded it. Then finished off with brilliant design, SEO management and IDX integration. The final product is an awesome website that actually does what they want it to do: engaging their sellers and connecting to their buyers. And with IDX they have instant updates to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, making their website a tool that they can use anywhere.

PNW Springtime | A Collection of My Favorite Backyards

“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”
— Lily Pulitzer

I’m a sunshine girl, and I love being in my backyard. I stay outside waiting for all of my fairy lights to blink on as the stars come out. So I have a soft spot for a charming porch, delightful patio, fire pit and decks. And if they’re staged and beautifully photographed, I want to crawl through my computer screen and relax! Here are a few of my favorites from my amazing clients this year:

307 N 48th Street | Seattle, WA 98103
Listed by Lauren GeRoy, RE/MAX Northwest

↑ Welcome to Phinney Ridge! Classic craftsman details mesh perfectly with modern updates & peekaboo views of the Olympics and Salmon Bay. Step into the sun-drenched main floor to find oak and fir floors, functional built-ins, a cozy wood burning fireplace and open living spaces including oversized dining area with room to host. Large kitchen boasts brand new quartz counters, tons of storage, gas cooking, walk-in pantry and spacious eating nook that opens out to the backyard. Rare five-bedroom layout also includes a bonus room and home gym on the lower level, giving you more than enough space to roam. Garden, play and soak up the summer sun in the spacious backyard complete with bocce court. Stroll to nearby Woodland Park, the zoo, top dining and more!

 

15204 256th Avenue SE | Issaquah, WA
Listed by Laura Ford, RE/MAX Northwest

↑ I love everything about this backyard; from the cozy deck to the stunning hot tub to the lovingly landscaped garden spaces. This backyard offers a myriad of entertaining spaces to grill out, roast marshmallows and enjoy the summer sun. Highly sought after Mirrormont Home situated on a corner lot w/ Park-like setting including garden beds and designer landscaping. Nestled on just shy of an acre across from a well manicured neighborhood park and walking distance to pool/tennis.

 

18891 NE 49th Place, Sammamish, WA 98074
Listed by Ryan Tuttle, John L. Scott HWP

↑ Beyond a private gated entry, and just off the shores of Lake Sammamish,  this unparalleled community features 12 custom NW contemporary homes on estate sized properties.   Each homeowner enjoys deeded private waterfront and a designated boat slip at this newly constructed community marina. East Lake Sammamish Trail-linked recreation and lake activities conveniently within walking distance and excellent commute times to Redmond, Microsoft, Bellevue, and State Route 520. Realize the rewards of living in Sammamish Ridge Estates. I need a glass of wine in this backyard, STAT!

 

132 26th Avenue E., #B | Seattle, WA
Listed by Junior Torress, Windermere Greenwood

↑ Spearhead is a collection of newly constructed custom residences in the desirable Madison Valley neighborhood. Marvel at the stunning attention to detail in designing both the interior and exterior of the homes. Innovative architecture, high-end finishes, and exceptional craftsmanship are hallmarks of Halverson Design Build residences. Emphasis has been placed on the exterior facades, featuring COR-TEN weathering steel which brings a captivating and distinctive look to the residences. Spacious and inspired interiors offer the perfect stage for effortless entertaining. With sleek, contemporary lines and thoughtful floor plans flowing over three levels, the homes enhance and meet the needs of upscale urban lifestyles. I can’t wait to see what the new owners do to create a party hub on the rooftop deck!

Web Design for Rudinoff Real Estate

I have to start this story with one of my favorite designers (fangirling hard over here) Corianton Hale; Cori is the designer who created the awesome logo for Rudinoff Residential along with vodka brands that you know and he was the Art Director for the Seattle Stranger for a decade. I say all that to sort of explain what a particular challenge and privilege it was to work with his designs to create Sarah’s website.

bird.png

Sarah’s website needed a facelift, some serious SEO love, and much more frequent use of the stunning properties that she lists. We started, as always, with a virtual cuppa and after an amazing chat we nailed down what she was looking for for her website and her clients’ needs.

We created an amazing backend portal for her buyer’s as well as referral pages, links for her clients to use and so much more. It was a lovely project all around, AND I got to play with one of my favorite designers from afar.

What's in a name? More than you think.

There are so many ways in which racism affects our lives and our businesses, and so many of them aren’t even fully visible. It’s the invisible - or less visible - that I was made aware of once again this month.

In real estate, we have used - and still use - the term “Master Bedroom” and “Master Bath”. Two whole seconds of thinking showcases why this term is so problematic. According to the Washington Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer, “In large part for exactly the reason you would think: “Master” has connotation problems, in gender (it skews toward male) and race (the slave master).”

This is not the first time this situation has been brought to light; in 2013 the Washington Business Journal reported that 6 out of 10 Washington area homebuilders “no longer use the term “master” in their floor plans to describe the largest bedroom (with its own bathroom) in the house. They have replaced it with “owner’s suite” or “owner’s bedroom…” As of 2013, Winchester, Pulte Homes, NV Homes and Ryan Homes (both under the NVR Inc. umbrella), Van Metre Cos. and D.R. Horton Inc. have all replaced “master” in their floor plans, some more recently than others.

AdobeStock_204233404(1) house home bedroom.jpeg
“In large part for exactly the reason you would think: “Master” has connotation problems, in gender (it skews toward male) and race (the slave master).”
— Michael Neibauer, Washington Business Journal

Imagine my genuine surprise when I saw that Houston - HOUSTON (come on, PNW!) - was the first Association to make a real statement about it in 2020. Imagine my frustration when I realized that that was as far as it had gone. “The Houston Association of Realtors will use "primary" to describe bedrooms and bathrooms on its listing service and replace the word "master." The move comes after several members raised the issue and called for a review,” according to CNN affiliate KPRC. “Amid increasing calls for racial justice, "master" has fallen out of favor due to its association with slavery.”

“The Court of Master Sommeliers, which grants wine stewards the sought-after “master sommelier” title following the passage of an exam, said it will no longer use the term before a sommelier’s last name.”
— CNN

But wait, there’s more: Enter John Legend. (cue appropriate levels of swoon)

“Real problem: realtors don't show black people all the properties they qualify for. Fake problem: calling the master bedroom the master bedroom. Fix the real problem, realtors.” he tweeted on June 27th of 2020. Apparently, this is the tip of what is an enormous iceberg that can actually keep people of color from becoming homeowners.

Chad Zinda, Owner of Metropolist in Seattle, weighs in: “At Metropolist, we are extremely aware of the racial biases we possess and are under constant watch over the law of Fair Housing and more importantly the things we say and do as it relates to issues of social equity. When it comes to issues in our industry, we have a huge responsibility to all members of the public to understand this. Of recent, we have taken to using the statement of Main bedroom area rather than the term of Master bedroom due to the connotations of oppression. This may not seem important at first glance but it is in understanding the details of our biases where we have a big chance to remedy past transgressions of racial inequity.”

And RE/MAX agrees: “The terminology [Owner’s Suite] has more of an upscale tone to it, particularly in some of the really large homes that truly have a large bedroom, sitting area, enormous walk-in closets, and lavish bathrooms,” Brian Block, Managing Broker for RE/MAX Allegiance wrote in an email. “Owner Suite conveys a sense of being distinguished, having ‘made it’ or ‘arrived’ rather than the everyday ‘Master Bedroom.’”

“Of recent, we have taken to using the statement of “Main Bedroom” rather than the term of “Master Bedroom” due to the connotations of oppression. This may not seem important at first glance but it is in understanding the details of our biases where we have a big chance to remedy past transgressions of racial inequity.”
— Chad Zinda, Owner Metropolist, Seattle

So it seems that many designers, contractors, construction companies and the bulk of the real estate industry in some form of agreement, but why has it not been changed in the NWMLS and across the United States? And what comes next?

Barry Long of Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty who’s infamous for his work with changing the standards and verbiage for Accessibility within MLS’s around the county, has recent experience in making changes to the actual real estate system. He says “In my experience of updating the actual back end taxonomy of real estate, it definitely takes time for lots of different reason, but if we can get a groundswell of people to support this change – ‘at least 10,000 nationwide willing to sign would be a great start’ – it would show the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) who oversees the MLS’s Database Taxonomy, that there is enough backing for them to get the process started of both discussing and then eventually making these changes permanently!”

Join us.


California Dreaming: San Vincente Masterpiece

19550 San Vincente Drive | Redding, California

This spectacular home has a presence. You'll feel the pride of ownership when you step through its dual glass doors and experience the level of detail designed to create beauty, tranquility and harmony. Nestled in the quiet rolling hills of Northern California, the San Vicente Masterpiece is ideally located on the 10th hole of the exclusive Tierra Oaks Golf Club and provides an incredible golf lifestyle.

HV7A0137.jpg

For this project we created a custom brochure, branding and a custom website. This luxurious property totally deserves all the love that it’s given. Stacy Baxter, the listing agent, wanted to create an ambiance about the property before potential buyers even set foot inside.

San Vincente Masterpiece.jpg

Designed for entertaining, the bright, open kitchen features custom cherry cabinetry throughout, an oversized dining island that seats four, granite countertops and backsplash, a walk-in pantry, stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliances and an ice maker. The built-in desk, custom wine bar, under-cabinet lighting and custom pendant lights finish off this stunning but cozy gathering spot. There are SO many unique details, it’s amazing.


LAUNCHED: Inspire Properties

Flyer Templates for Inspire Properties

Flyer Templates for Inspire Properties

I am so SO proud to have been invited to play with this boutique real estate brokerage, Inspire Properties.

Britt Wibmer, the owner and founder, sees a new world in real estate and a unique opportunity, ta boot. Offering unique marketing perspectives, a transparency for their brokers and an incredible service model for their home buyers and sellers. Her whole goal has been to offer a broker-centered brokerage where she can grow her brokers to be their most successful selves.

Partnering with her incredible marketing team, I designed templates with multiple options that she can offer her new brokers to play with, from the social media to print material, every piece was designed with intention. Class, style, elegance and accessibility. I’m so pleased to have been invited to play with them!

Postcard Templates for Inspire Properties

Postcard Templates for Inspire Properties

Horizontal & Vertical Brochure Templates for Inspire Properties

Horizontal & Vertical Brochure Templates for Inspire Properties

Instagram Templates for Inspire Properties

Instagram Templates for Inspire Properties

TBT: Kadenwood | Whistler, B.C.

There’s a magic to a good advertisement. It should catch you, stop you mid-flip and make you want to crawl through the pages of the magazine, slip into cozy pajamas and a hot toddie and become one with the ad. Today’s throwback goes all the way back to 2014 and my days working with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty.

The Collection Magazine, Ad for Kadenwood | Whistler, B.C., 2014

The Collection Magazine, Ad for Kadenwood | Whistler, B.C., 2014

And of course there’s my favorite part: I got to spend so much time browsing through this snow-covered PRETTY HOUSES!

Introducing: RE/MAX Dynamic Properties

The new website for RE/MAX Dynamic Properties

The new website for RE/MAX Dynamic Properties

I am incredibly excited to introduce RE/MAX Dynamic Properties website! I partnered with the amazing marketing department to craft a website that the team and their licensees can be proud of. We carefully curated each image, the details, the writing and the layouts to create a fresh, clean look that invites potential buyers and sellers to stay on the site browsing beautiful homes.

This was such a cool project. And it is a feather in my cap for several reasons: not only did I get to work with the largest brokerage in Alaska, but I got to work with some of the neatest humans and there was a learning curve for the process of working with another state’s MLS. I can’t stress just how cool it is to learn about different states and I might have to add that to my business dreams, to get my hands in every state’s MLS. SO much fun!

Are you ready to take your online presence to the next level?

Happy Holidays: Oh Yes, It's THAT Close

Twelve weeks until Christmas…

…& every good business owner has already ordered (or is getting ready to order) their holiday cards. Santa's gonna be so proud.

With the election coming up, homeschooling, working from home, zoom meetings, Covid-19, etc, it’s really easy to let the little things lay to the side, and we have to take into account the post office is overwhelmed right now, but they also need our support.

This is a great way to both buy pretty stamps AND connect in a personal way with your past sellers and buyers and potential new clients as well. Dropping a nice local coffee shop gift card and supporting local printers and designers is another way to showcase care in every detail.

PRINTER HIGHLIGHT: Twin Raven’s Press

Ready to order your holiday cards?

PLEASE NOTE: I’m taking holiday card clients through December 1st, but past that there’s no guarantee your clients will get the cards in time.

Summertime Blues | A Collection of My Favorite Backyards

“Summertime. It was a song. It was a season. I wondered if that season would ever live inside of me.”
— Bejamin Alire Saenz, Last Night I Sang to the Monster

I’m a sunshine girl, so the Pacific Northwest summers are when I come alive. I love being in my backyard and I stay outside waiting for all of my fairy lights to blink on as the stars come out. So I have a soft spot for a charming porch, delightful patio, fire pit and decks. And if they’re staged and beautifully photographed, I want to crawl through my computer screen and relax! Here are a few of my favorites from my amazing clients this year:

8630 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland
Listed by Marilisa Vergottini, Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty

↑ This breathtaking retreat is nestled just off of Juanita Beach, one of the first dwellings built in this area. Set on over an acre of private, creek-side land, this property is a veritable recreational retreat. Enjoy everything that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, right at your doorstep. Relax in the hot tub under the night sky, zipline over Champagne Creek, or swing in your hammock beneath a canopy of lush greenery. Roast marshmallows around the firepit, walk the dogs through your property's private trails and enjoy hypnotic views of Lake Washington from the main and upper floors.

 

4731 36th Avenue SW, Seattle
Listed by Matt Martel, RE/MAX Northwest

↑ I love everything about this backyard; from the cozy kids play area and jungle gym, to the stunning stonework to the lovingly landscaped garden spaces. This backyard offers a myriad of entertaining spaces to grill out, roast marshmallows and enjoy the summer sun.

 

7573 NE Emerald Way, Bainbridge Island
Listed by Jenn Herrman, Windermere Real Estate

↑ The tongue-and-groove hardwoods on this porch - even across the ceiling and matching sideboards - create a warmth and classic ambiance that is an absolute treasure to behold. This luscious backyard is packed full of flowers and I need a glass of wine in the backyard ASAP.

 

6048 34th Avenue NE, Seattle
Listed by Mike McRae, Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty

↑ And speaking of “cozy”, curling up in this vintage backyard with a cup of coffee and a good book is a must. I can’t wait to see what the new owners do to create a party hub in the backyard.

TBT: Matt Hart Homes - Brochures & Branding

Few things make me as happy as design projects with beautiful homes, and Matt Hart’s team has a lot of gorgeous properties. We started an elegant and simple logo design and then we got to work on a trifold for his team.

Matt works north of Seattle, specializing in the Woodinville and Bothel areas, with a love for helping his clients find unique homes around the Puget Sound. The goal of the design was to create a clean, modern logomark that could stand on its own and partner with Marketplace Sotheby’s.

Once his logomark was set we got started on a trifold that he would use to highlight his past sales, current listings and showcasing what his team had to offer potential new clients. Used as a mailer and a collateral piece at listings, this brochure is one of my favorite pieces because it matched so beautifully with the homes that he sells and who he is as a luxury real estate broker.

Matt Hart Trifold Brochure.jpg

Rainbows and Realizations

Bellevue Schools Foundation Ad - July 2020.jpg

Working on an ad this week for the Bellevue Schools Foundation and I have had an absolute blast puttering through Adobe’s stock photography to find photos of beautiful children. It was important to me that this project feature children from across the melanin rainbow, both because the program works with a diverse group of children and due to the current moment in the BLM movement I’ve been more acutely aware of accurately representing the diversity of the programs.

In my searching, I found that POC and Black children are not represented as often even in our stock photography. I’ve even found it difficult to find senior photos of the rainbow that our world is simply stuffed with, which gets me percolating again about the things that bring us together and keep us apart.

Something to consider with every project is both our own biases as well as the potential biases of the company or project owners. And as in life, design should strive to be inclusive.

 

If you are looking for Black and POC-owned photography, here are my recommendations:

Branding, Brochures and More: The Herbfarm

The Herbfarm.jpg

Project: The Herbfarm

For most of the year, The Herbfarm’s own kitchen gardens and nearby farm supply the restaurant with an ever-changing harvest. Small growers, foragers, The Herbfarm— where nature suggests the weekly menu and producers bring wild mushrooms, heritage fruits, handmade cheeses, and rare treasures such as wasabi root and artisanal caviars. Each day’s menu is finalized only hours before the meal to best represent the flavors of land and sea. Week in and week out, The Herbfarm showcases new culinary discoveries. Whatever the occasion, The Herbfarm will weave guests into the fabric of an enchanted evening they’ll cherish and long remember.

With each visit to The Herbfarm, guests delight in unique menus showcasing the exceptional foods and wines of the Pacific Northwest. Each 9-course dinner served with 5 or 6 matched wines, draws its inspiration from the rhythms of the seasons. An optional pre-dinner wine cellar open house followed by an outdoor hosted introduction to The Herbfarm and garden tour occurs before service each evening.

The Herbfarm2.jpg

Enter the Designer:

For this project, Kelly Gaddis and Ananda Gellock needed a multi-page magazine that showcased the property, the hotel, the farm and the restaurant. We used the myriad of incredible photos of the property to create a lookbook that highlighted both the feel of the space and also the list of items that came with the property - from stoves to plants and back again.

We also created separate brochure pages for the property, offering detailed information that potential buyers could review. We designed a custom map of the locale that highlighted the best places to visit in Woodinville Wine Country.

Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. Easily share your publications and get them in front of Issuu's millions of monthly readers.

If you find that you’re stuck at home - whether by choice or circumstance - now is the time to update your marketing materials, get in front of any collateral projects that are outstanding, create a custom brand and even a stunning website.

What projects have you been putting off?

Web Design & Branding for Emily Martin Homes

Emily Martin has a passion for her clients, a love of the Pacific Northwest, and a talent for connecting new construction homes to their new owners. Working with Emily was an absolute treat! We started with a logo design that was clean and fresh with a modern bent and a classic style. Working with deep grays and a custom gold, Emily Martin’s logo design creates an elegance that highlights her experience with luxury homes while feeling cozy and inviting in its simplicity.

She partnered closely with me to create a website that was a useful space for her clients, offering a myriad of data in a clean, fresh way. From home staging to finding a home buyer for her new listing to connecting home sellers to buyers that fall in love with the home or property, Emily’s website is curated to clients’ needs. Looking forward to many more projects with Emily!

Are you ready to help your clients make their move?