This Week: Four Very Different Ways to Buy on Mercer Island and Beyond

This week’s homes show just how different the buying opportunities can be across the market. There is brand new construction in Enatai, a true low bank waterfront property, a West Mercer renovation where the quality really stands out, and a bright, flat lot near the high school where the value is more about location, land and future flexibility.

They are four very different properties, which is exactly what makes the comparison useful. Depending on the buyer, the priority might be turnkey construction, lake access, design quality, square footage or long term potential.

Market Note: Price Per Square Foot Only Tells Part of the Story

Price per square foot is one of the numbers I look at when evaluating a home, but it rarely tells the whole story.

A smaller property with exceptional construction, thoughtful design and a great lot can justify a much higher number per square foot than a larger home with more ordinary finishes. Waterfront is another category entirely, where the land, frontage, dock and moorage can account for a substantial portion of the value.

This week’s homes illustrate that well. The more important question is not simply what a house costs per square foot, but what you are actually getting for that number.

Bold Architecture With a Surprisingly Serene Interior

1653 105th Avenue SE · View listing

Featured Real Residential Listing

$4,990,000 · 5 Beds, 5.5 Baths, 6,040 SQFT, Built in 2026

Built in 2026, this new Enatai home makes a strong architectural statement from the street, but the interior feels much warmer and more serene than the exterior might suggest. The design follows the site, with a concrete base stepping with the land and large walls of glass opening the main living spaces toward a south facing garden. The kitchen anchors the entertaining space, with a separate catering scullery tucked behind it so prep and cleanup can stay out of the main room.

Things to note: One of the most useful features is the two primary suite setup, including a main level suite that creates flexibility for guests, extended family or longer term living needs. The home also includes a gym, media lounge, fireplace and elevator connecting the levels. At approximately 6,200 square feet, there is a lot of house here, but the design still feels intentional rather than oversized simply for scale.

Low Bank Waterfront With a Serious Dock Setup

9625 SE 71st Street · View listing

$6,498,000 · 5 Beds, 4.5 Baths, 5,560 SQFT, Built in 1973

Built in 1973, this private East Mercer home sits on approximately 90 feet of low bank Lake Washington waterfront and feels surprisingly secluded once you head down the private drive. The main level is arranged well for entertaining, with a living room, large water facing den, dedicated dining room, family room, kitchen and eating area, all connecting naturally to the deck and outdoor spaces. The home is older in style, but it has been very well maintained and the layout works extremely well for lake living.

Things to note: The waterfront is the real standout. The dock offers deep water moorage, a 10,000 pound boat lift, covered space for smaller watercraft and room at the end for a substantial sailboat. The lower level adds a huge rec room, full second kitchen, patio, hot tub, two large bedrooms, multiple baths and significant storage, giving the house strong flexibility for guests or multigenerational living. The upper level primary suite has excellent water views and its own laundry. For someone focused on actually using Lake Washington rather than simply looking at it, this is a compelling setup.

Understated Mid Century Character, Completely Reimagined

7775 Shore Lane · View listing

$2,250,000 · 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,385 SQFT, Built in 1973

Built in 1973, this West Mercer home is almost deceptive from a distance. It still holds onto the character of an established Northwest Contemporary home, so you do not immediately realize how extensive the renovation has been. Once you get closer, the quality becomes obvious. The exterior, windows, doors, garage and landscaping are immaculate, while inside the main living area combines a large kitchen, dining space and living room into one highly functional entertaining space with high end appliances, extensive stone surfaces, custom cabinetry and detailed wood accents.

Things to note: Large folding glass doors open the living space directly to the outside and make the home feel considerably larger than its square footage. The bathrooms are especially well executed, with stone and marble throughout, high end fixtures and thoughtful lighting. The primary suite includes a large walk in shower, tub, dual vanity and custom closet area, while the secondary bedrooms are also genuinely usable. The lake views are more peekaboo than panoramic, but the nearly half acre lot, privacy and quality of the renovation are what make this property stand out.

A Bright, Flat Lot Near the High School With Long Term Potential

4127 93rd Avenue SE · View listing

$1,498,000 · 3 Beds, 1.75 Baths, 1,640 SQFT, Built in 1954

Built in 1954, this home sits on a bright, relatively open and level lot near Mercer Island High School. The house itself is clean and very livable, with hardwood floors, a fireplace and a covered patio in back. The layout still reflects its original era, but there may be opportunities to open up the interior over time and create more of a great room feel.

Things to note: The real story here is the land and location. The lot is flat, has a good setback from the street and feels much brighter than many tree covered areas on the island. For someone looking to get onto Mercer Island at a lower absolute price point, this could be a live now and improve over time property. It may also be worth exploring longer term options such as an addition or a new home, which the listing itself references, but any expansion, second story or redevelopment potential would need to be verified through feasibility, zoning and permitting. For a builder or buyer willing to think beyond the existing 1,640 square feet, the site is what makes this one interesting.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

This week’s homes are a good reminder that value is not always about finding the lowest price per square foot. Sometimes you are paying for waterfront, sometimes for construction quality, and sometimes for the land and what it may allow you to do over time.

That is why I like looking beyond the listing photos and headline price. The location, layout, condition, lot and future flexibility can all change the way a property looks once you dig into it.

If there is a home you are considering, I am always happy to take a closer look and help think through how it compares with the rest of the market.