Half Price Books has been selling used books, records, tapes, cds, and software since 1972 when the first store opened in Dallas, Texas. I don't know how long they have been in the University District of Seattle, but at least since the late 1980's when I moved to town.
The concept is that they sell all of their wares at one half the price marked on the cover. Fair enough. Many books on the shelves are in like-new condition and I'm happy to look here first before heading off to some other venue. There is nothing glitzy about the presentation either. This is no Borders or Barnes and Noble. You're getting value at a price, and if you love books, you are okay with that.
They buy books, too, and are fairly selective. Many rejects go directly to a dumpster out back. Some times they find a collectible and the pricing on those indicate that their buyer/pricer knows what (s)he's doing.
There are 8 Half Price Book Stores in the Puget Sound area. I've been to most of them and think the University District Store is the largest. Anyway, they have a great selection of books and it is within walking distance of my house. Can't beat that. I was there today picking up a book that I will review in a week or so.
The real estate market in the University District is mostly a mix of single family and condominium with a smattering of multiunits and a small bit of commercial thrown in. Much of the single family is investor owned with the University District being a good draw.
In 2010 there were 71 sales broken down as follows:
- 29single family
- 31 condominium
- 8 multiunit
- 3 commercial
As usual, on the first of the year we have our lowest inventory. In the University District currently the figures look like this:
- 7 single family
- 8 condominiums
- 2 multiunits
If you are interested in investing in the University District, give me a call. I live here and am happy to help you find a home or investment that will serve you well.
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ActiveRain Book Club Group
Glenn Roberts, SRES*
Lake and Company Real Estate
206-524-3665
Seattle Residential ~ I Do That
Licensed broker since 1985 offering spectacular service to buyers and sellers in greater Seattle, with particular interest in Green Lake, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Wallingford, Ravenna, Bryant, View Ridge, Roosevelt and the University District.
*Senior Real Estate Specialist
Referrals from past clients and other agents always make me smile.
10 comments • Glenn Roberts - Seattle Residential • January 02 2011 03:26PM
