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Uncategorized Local Market Update – January 2019 A cool-down in prices and a surge in inventory spelled out good news for buyers in December. Median home prices throughout the region continued to moderate. The number of homes for sale more than doubled over a year ago. Condo inventory more than quadrupled. While we’re still far short of the four to six months […]
Uncategorized Investing In a Green Home Will Pay Dividends In 2019 As we step forward into 2019, eco-friendly “green homes” are more popular than ever. Upgrading your home’s sustainability improves quality of life for those residing in it, but it is also a savvy long-term investment. As green homes become more popular, properties boasting sustainable features have become increasingly desirable targets for homebuyers. Whether designing a […]
Uncategorized 2019 Economic and Housing Forecast What a year it has been for both the U.S. economy and the national housing market. After several years of above-average economic and home price growth, 2018 marked the start of a slowdown in the residential real estate market. As the year comes to a close, it’s time for me to dust off my crystal […]
Uncategorized Local Market Update – December 2018 The real estate market continued to improve for buyers in November.  Interest rates dropped slightly, price increases slowed and inventory soared. It’s important to note that inventory increases, while significant, are being compared to the record low supply of last year. We’re still far short of the inventory needed for a truly balanced market, however […]
Uncategorized Mortgage rates drop to 2-month low—an unexpected holiday gift to housing Americans may be losing money in their stock portfolios this week, but they are gaining purchasing power in the housing market. Mortgage rates are falling sharply, as investors head to the relative safe haven of the bond market. Mortgage rates follow loosely the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury. The average rate on the popular […]
Uncategorized Bringing Your Plants Inside for Winter Winters in many parts of the Western U.S. can easily see temperatures that dip down below freezing. For many gardening homeowners, this can be troublesome when precious plants are concerned. Covering your plants with sheets may not be enough to save a plant from succumbing to freezing temperatures. Check out these ways to bring your […]
Uncategorized Local Market Update – November 2018 Increased inventory, slower sales and more price reductions all point to a balancing market—welcome news for price-shocked buyers. Sales prices are up from last October and down from the all-time high reached this spring. Despite the slowdown, it’s important to point out that we’re only moving back toward what a normal market looks like. King and […]
Uncategorized Planning for the Life Expectancy of Your Home Posted in Living by John Trupin  Nothing in life lasts forever – and the same can be said for your home. From the roof to the furnace, every component of your home has a lifespan, so it’s a good idea to know approximately how many years of service you can expect from them. This information can help when […]
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Uncategorized The Gardner Report – Third Quarter 2018 The following analysis of the Western Washington real estate market is provided by Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. We hope that this information may assist you with making better-informed real estate decisions. For further information about the housing market in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact your Windermere Agent.  Economic Overview Washington […]
Uncategorized Local Market Update – October 2018 It appears that balance is slowly returning to the local housing market. Home price growth slowed in September. Inventory continued to climb, but is still far short of the four to six months that indicate a normal market. Homes are staying on the market longer, giving buyers the breathing room to make the right choice […]
Uncategorized How to Acquire the Right Appraisal for Your Home Appraisals are designed to protect buyers, sellers, and lending institutions. They provide a reliable, independent valuation of a tract of land and the structure on it, whether it’s a house or a skyscraper. Below, you will find information about the appraisal process, what goes into them, their benefits and some tips on how to help […]
Uncategorized 5 Dangers of Overpricing a Home It is still a great time to be a seller, but the local real estate market has begun to soften. With significant increases in inventory, buyers now have more choices and less sense of urgency. If you are thinking about selling your home, pricing it correctly the first time is critical. Here’s why: If you […]
Uncategorized Local Market Update – September 2018 The number of homes for sale in August increased dramatically over the same time a year ago. This is the result of a moderate increase in new listings and a much slower pace of sales. Homes are staying on the market longer, giving buyers more choices and more time to make an informed decision.  While […]
Uncategorized What You Need to Know About the US Luxury Housing Market Posted in Luxury by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate  Photo courtesy of West Bellevue Partners | MLS # 1324889 Luxury homes sales across the U.S. continue to perform strongly, but I’m noticing some headwinds starting to appear that are worthy of a closer look. It’s often thought that luxury real estate runs totally independent of the […]
Uncategorized Amazon confirms major office lease in Bellevue By Matt Day Seattle Times business reporter  Amazon has signed a long-term lease for a second Bellevue office tower, a move that will give the retail and technology giant enough office space for 4,500 employees in the city. Equity Commonwealth, which owns the skyscraper at 333 108th Avenue Northeast, said in a regulatory filing that an Amazon […]
Uncategorized Local Market Update – August 2018 For the first time in years, the real estate market is finally starting to deliver good news for buyers. The region experienced its third straight month of significant growth in inventory.  Homes are sitting on the market longer, prices are moderating, and multiple offers are becoming more rare. Despite the surge in homes for sale, […]
Uncategorized Seattle housing market is under pressure as Chinese buying ‘dries up’ By, Diana Olick CNBC Seattle has been arguably one of the hottest housing markets in America, with home prices rising annually by double digits fueled by scorching demand. There is, however, one outside force that is starting to throw cold water on all that heat: new weakness from once-intense Chinese buyers. The Pacific Northwest city has been […]
Uncategorized Housing crash a distant memory for Seattle homeowners, Zillow says by Karina Mazhukhina / KOMONews.com   Based on a new study released by Zillow, now’s the best time to sell in Seattle, considering that more than 97 percent of homes are worth more now than before the housing market crash 10-plus years ago. (Photo: Pete Saloutos) SEATTLE – Now may be the best time to […]
Uncategorized The Gardner Report – Second Quarter 2018 Economic Overview The Washington State economy added 83,900 new jobs over the past 12 months, representing an annual growth rate of 2.5%. This is a slowdown from the last quarter, but employment growth remains well above the national rate of 1.6%. Employment gains continue to be robust in the private sector, which was up by […]
Uncategorized Another ‘Manhattan moment’: Seattle’s new $19,265-a-month apartment By Danny Westneat Seattle Times staff columnist The latest signpost pointing to our city’s shiny future — or bleak destiny, depending on where you stand — is taking shape in South Lake Union directly across from my office. I’ve never seen it, though. And based on the cheapskate crowd of reporters and nonprofit types I […]