Mercer Island Giveaway
Enter Our Mercer Island Trivia Giveaway
Answer the question below for a chance to win a beautiful hanging flower basket or orchid.
The winner will be announced next week and may pick up their prize at our Engel & Völkers Mercer Island shop.
Mercer Island Trivia
Do you know the year the first floating bridge connected Mercer Island to Seattle?
Submit your answer below for a chance to win!
While you’re here, we’ve included helpful insights for Mercer Island homeowners who may be thinking about downsizing or planning their next chapter.
Mercer Island Living
Downsizing With Confidence
For many Mercer Island homeowners, downsizing is not simply about moving to a smaller home. It is about simplifying life, reducing maintenance, and creating a living environment that better supports the next chapter.
Along the way, a few important questions often come up:
- When is the right time to downsize?
- What housing options are available nearby?
- How can I prepare my home for the market?
- How do I decide what to keep and what to let go?
Working with the right advisors can make the transition significantly smoother. Experienced real estate professionals can help evaluate your home's value, discuss timing, and connect you with trusted resources such as downsizing specialists, estate planners, and move managers.
Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in whatever decision is right for you.
Mercer Island Living
Selling Your Home… or Staying Right Where You Are?
One of the most common questions we hear from Mercer Island homeowners is:
"Should I sell my home, or is it better to stay where I am?"
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Some homeowners choose to sell because they want:
- A single-level home
- Less upkeep and maintenance
- Proximity to family
- Walkable communities or senior-friendly living
Others decide their current home still serves them well and simply explore ways to adapt their home for long-term comfort and accessibility.
What matters most is having clear information about your options. Understanding your home's current market value, the cost of moving, and the lifestyle changes you may want can help you make a thoughtful decision.
Even if you are not planning to move for several years, having a conversation now can help you plan ahead with clarity and confidence.
Ask Us Your Questions
Want More Insight?
We understand that every homeowner’s situation is unique.
If you have questions about downsizing, preparing your home for sale, or exploring housing options in the Mercer Island area, we welcome the opportunity to help.
Send us your questions below and a member of our team will follow up.
Send us your questions!
Coffee & Conversations Invitation
Join Us for Upcoming Coffee & Conversations
This Spring, we will host casual gatherings for Mercer Island homeowners to discuss topics such as:
- Downsizing strategies
- Understanding today's housing market
- Preparing your home for sale
- Housing options for the next phase of life
These events are designed to be informational, welcoming, and pressure-free.
If you would like to be notified about upcoming Coffee & Conversations events, sign up below.
Sign up here!
If you would like to be notified about upcoming Coffee & Conversations events.
YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE ADVISORS
Julie Fontanez-Laing
Real Estate Advisor
Julie Fontanez brings 15+ years of real estate and banking experience to Engel & Völkers, following nine years at Windermere. She focuses on building long-term client relationships, offering honest advice, and guiding buyers and sellers through a low-stress process. Each transaction is unique, and Julie tailors her approach to meet every client’s needs. She holds the SRES designation to assist seniors with transitions. Fluent in Spanish, Julie grew up in Puerto Rico and New York, and after relocating to Seattle 20 years ago, enjoys introducing newcomers to the Northwest. In her free time, she travels, spends time with family, and explores foodie spots.
+1 (206) 651-5770
julie.fontanez@evrealestate.com
Yvonne Welty
Real Estate Advisor
Unwavering dedication to a bespoke client experience sets Yvonne apart. She excels at understanding client vision and is passionate about building wealth through real estate. With market knowledge, negotiation skills, and creative thinking, she transforms each journey so clients can “live their luxury.” Aligned with Engel & Völkers’ values, her mission of service and investing in people shines through. Yvonne supports law enforcement, the military—her son serves in the U.S. Air Force—and organizations like Blue Hero Project, Behind the Badge Foundation, and Epilepsy Foundation. Married over 27 years with three children and a labradoodle she calls her fourth, Yvonne enjoys time with family and friends.
+1 (253) 279-8274
yvonne.welty@evrealestate.com