What style of house is this? (and does it even matter?)
Every house has a story.
And I know how to tell it.
When I first walked into this Federal Style home in Magnolia, it didn’t take long for me to realize it was special. Magnolia doesn't have a lot of Federal architecture; it’s a neighborhood where you expect Tudor charm, mid-century flair, post-war sturdiness, or sleek new builds. But here was something different. Something rare. And with rarity comes opportunity — if you know how to listen.
What is your first impression of this home?
First Impressions Matter.
As a real estate agent, my first job is to listen to a home. What makes it special? How does it feel? Why will someone fall in love here? For this house, I immediately felt a sense of beauty and stability. But it also had an old world sensibility—a dignified sense of retreat.
I wanted buyers to feel they were buying “two homes in one.”
Before long I was thinking how I was feeling the quiet, the dignity, and the breathing space of a country estate — but it was right here in the city. That contrast sparked the story I knew would sell it: Two houses in one. A peaceful retreat you could escape to and a highly functional home you could work from, entertain from, live from. This wouldn’t be just another house in Magnolia — it would be a lifestyle, balanced between country serenity and city life.
How do you craft the storyline?
In addition to marketing a list of features and upgrades (it had plenty), I focused on painting a vivid picture. I invited buyers to imagine living two lives at once:
Morning meetings from your sunny home office.
Evenings spent wandering a garden that feels miles from the city.
Weekends hosting friends in a home that felt like an elegant escape.
It worked!
How I tell the stories of Magnolia’s Homes.
If you’ve followed my work, you know I love Magnolia — and not just for its views of Puget Sound and charming village feel. It's because every corner, every house, has its own story to tell.
I’ve been fortunate to help write a few of those stories myself:
Listing with a Restaurant-Worthy Kitchen – Ever wonder what it’s like to have a restaurant grade kitchen in your home?
You May Not Want To Live With A Perfectionist..But You Definitely Want To Buy Their House - The story of this Magnolia home was all about the dedication of the seller!
Each home demanded its own approach. Each required careful listening and smart strategy. (Much like this Federal beauty.)
Magnolia Market Snapshot
Want a sense of why Magnolia is a smart bet right now? Here’s a quick snapshot. For the most up to date market data, please give me a call:
Magnolia median sales price (March 2025): $1.45M
Average days on market: 23 days (down from 30 last year)
65% of listings are closing at or above list price
Limited inventory continues to drive demand for unique homes
Final Thoughts
Selling this Federal Style home reminded me again:
Good real estate isn’t just about square footage. It’s about storytelling, strategy, and a deep sense of place.
If you’re thinking about selling your home — especially one with character and soul — I’d love to hear your story. Chances are, someone out there is just waiting to hear it too.
Let’s Talk,
—Matthew