Are you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this. Forecasts show prices will climb for at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise. If you’re able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it’ll be worth it in the long run. Let’s connect if you’re ready to talk through ways we can make it happen.
The Secret To Selling? Using an Agent To Get Your House Noticed
In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.
It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they’re doing.
According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):
- Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.
- Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign may seem simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch the attention of people driving or walking by. And when it does, they’ll help spread the word to friends and family who are looking to buy that there’s a house for sale in the area. It also puts your agent’s contact information on display, making it easy for interested buyers to get in touch.
- Having an Open House – An open house is a great way to create a sense of competition and urgency among buyers – and that can lead to stronger offers. And since you’ll only need to leave once for many buyers to visit, it makes the process easier for you, too. Plus, an open house helps your agent get real-time feedback about what buyers love and what they’re not as sold on.
- Showcasing on Your Agent’s Website – Having your house on your agent’s website presents it in a professional way to buyers. And odds are, people visiting your agent’s website are serious and ready to make a move, so this is a smart way to get in front of motivated buyers.
- Social Networking – Posting your house on social helps get your house in front of buyers who may not have seen it with traditional marketing. It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones.
- Providing Virtual Tours – For buyers who are relocating from out of town, virtual tours allow them to check out your house anytime from wherever they are. This helps reach more potential buyers who may not be able to come to see your house in person.
- Using Video – Video is an excellent way for your agent to show off some of the top features of your house like your kitchen, large closets, outdoor entertainment areas, and other key details that could attract buyers.
- Sending Emails – Sending out information about your house to your agent’s expansive database is another way they’ll get it in front of even more people. Great agents may even send emails teasing that your house is coming to the market as a way to boost interest and excitement before it officially has an open house.
Here’s what it comes down to. Most good agents will write a description of your house for the listing and pair it with high-quality photos. But a great agent will do so much more than that.
They’ll not only lean on their expertise, they’ll put in the time and effort to make sure your house makes an impression on buyers, and ultimately, sells.
Bottom Line
As a seller, working with a creative local real estate agent is a smart way to ensure your house grabs the attention of the right buyers. If you’re ready to sell and want to talk about strategies we can use to get your house sold, let’s chat.
Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now
A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.
There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore two solutions that could help get you into your first home, regardless of the market.
1. FHA Loans
If your down payment savings and credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:
- Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.
- Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing. This means that when conventional loans aren’t an option, you may still be able to get an FHA loan.
The first step is to connect with a lender who can help you explore your options and determine if you qualify.
2. Homeownership Assistance Programs
And if you need a more budget-friendly down payment, that’s not your only option. Did you know there are over 2,000 homeownership assistance programs available across the U.S. according to Down Payment Resource? And more than 75% of these programs are designed to help buyers with their down payment. Here’s a bit more information about why these could be such powerful tools for you:
- Financial Support: The average benefit for buyers who qualify for down payment assistance is $17,000. And that’s not a small number.
- Stackable Benefits: To make it even better, in some cases, you may be able to qualify for multiple programs at once, giving your down payment an even bigger boost.
Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource confirms a little-known fact:
“Some of these programs can be layered. And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program.”
If you want to learn more or see what you qualify for, be sure to lean on the pros. A trusted real estate agent and a lender can guide you through the process, explain the help that’s out there, and connect you with resources to make buying a home a reality.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to stop wondering if buying a home is possible and start exploring solutions, let’s connect.
SOLD! – Juanita Bay Remodel! Great room style home with sunny west facing yard near Juanita Beach in Kirkland
Listed at $1,100,000
Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website
The spacious 1,870 s.f. floorplan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a 9,600 s.f. lot in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood. Special features include: Close proximity to Juantia Village. Open concept living! Remodeled Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, updated baths, hardwood floors throughout upper level, huge west-facing back yard with greenhouse, and large bonus room on lower level. Air conditioning and new roof too!
Inviting, spacious entry welcomes you with beautiful slate flooring, convenient coat closet, and abundance of natural light. Formal living includes wall of windows, soaring ceiling, gas fireplace with brick surround, and space for entertaining. Large, fully remodeled kitchen with quartz counters, subway tile backsplash, newer stainless steel appliances including gas range, large center island with breakfast bar, abundance of cabinetry, and slider leading to back deck and yard. Spacious, open dining room adjacent to kitchen and living room.
Gorgeous primary suite with large closet and spacious, updated primary bath. Primary bath features beautiful tile flooring, gorgeous vanity with quartz counters, and tile-wrapped walk-in shower. Two large additional bedrooms on the upper level, with abundance of natural light. Updated main hall bathroom with new vanity and quartz counter, tile flooring and tile-wrapped shower over tub.
Lower level features large family room with updated laminate flooring, and wood fireplace insert with brick surround, perfect for entertainment or play. Adjacent bathroom allows space to be used for visiting guest. Laundry room & guest bath combo with walk-in shower, and newer full size LG washer and dryer.
The beautiful, huge, & sunny west-facing back yard features: Entertainment sized deck, lush plantings include raspberry, blueberries & cherries with greenhouse for additional gardening space. Ample lawn for play surrounded in mature landscaping.
Attached two car garage with back yard access door. Extra storage shelving included!
Lake Washington Schools – Bell Elementary, Finn Hill Middle & Juanita High.
SOLD! – Beautifully Updated 5 Bed, 3 Bath Home on Quiet Cul-de-sac in Finn Hill Neighborhood of Kirkland!
Listed at $1,275,000
Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website
The spacious 2,530 s.f. floorplan features 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths on a 7,000 s.f. lot on Finn Hill in Kirkland. Special features include: Custom remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances including gas range, Central AC, fully fenced back yard with dog run, beautiful hardwood floors, tastefully updated bathrooms, white painted millwork and doors, updated windows, and two gas fireplaces inserts.
Inviting, spacious entry welcomes you with soaring ceiling, natural light and decorative light fixture. Formal living room includes: Vaulted ceiling, wall of windows, beautiful gas fireplace & mantle with decorative ceramic tile veneers, and ample space for entertaining. The large dining room sits adjacent to kitchen, complete with decorative light fixture and French door access to the back deck. Large, fully updated kitchen with granite counters, abundant cabinetry, newer stainless steel appliances including gas range, and large breakfast bar center island.
Private and massive primary suite is filled with natural light, and includes large closet with gorgeous custom doors and built-in shelving. Primary bath features wrap around double vanity with tile counters, stunning tile wrapped walk-in shower, and separate jetted soaking tub. Two additional large bedrooms on the upper level, with ample closet space and abundance of natural light. Beautifully updated main hall bathroom with tile wrapped shower over tub.
Lower level features large family room with gas fireplace, plenty of space to entertain or use as a game room! Two additional bedrooms downstairs, updated full hall bathroom, and full size washer & dryer in the utility room! Oversized garage with space for storage, craft or workshop area and back door to yard.
The massive, newly fenced back yard with entertainment sized deck, covered patio off the family room, and lush privacy plantings create an abundance of space to garden, entertain or play!
Lake Washington Schools – Sandburg Elementary, Finn Hill Middle & Lake Washington High.
SOLD! – Wonderful 3 bed, 1.75 bath water view condo in Juanita Bay
Listed at $575,000
Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website
Wonderful Kirkland condo at the base of Finn Hill in Juanita. The spacious floorplan is 1,324 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, plus a water view! Special features include: New carpet throughout, fresh paint, lofted primary suite with vaulted ceiling, carport parking space and storage unit.
The inviting entry greets you with gorgeous, light-filled living room and large coat closet. Bright and open formal living room with large sun soaked window, fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Spacious kitchen with tile flooring, solid surface counters and ample storage. Large, formal dining room with decorative light fixture, and door to the balcony!
Gorgeous, lofted primary suite with wall of windows, vaulted ceiling, new carpet, and large primary bathroom with updated vanity and walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms on the main level are spacious with large closets and vaulted ceilings. Adjacent full hall bathroom with updated vanity and light fixture, tile flooring and shower over tub.
Assigned carport parking space and storage unit are included! Additional parking available in front of building. Pending deck railing replacement project by HOA (special assessment to be paid by seller at closing), includes aluminum railing with glass inserts as shown on neighboring building to the Southwest.
Lake Washington School District – Sandburg Elementary, Finn Hill Middle School, and Juanita High School.
Sold 13% Above List Price With 4 Offers! Inviting 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath + Bonus Room Townhome at The Enclave Community in Kirkland
Listed at $985,000
Click Here For Full Details
Ideally located detached end unit townhome in the quiet community of The Enclave in Kirkland. The spacious floorplan boasts 2,603 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, bonus room and 2 car garage on a secluded dead end street. Recent updates include: New interior paint, new carpet and refinished hardwood floors.
Generous covered front porch welcomes you to this home. The light, open entry invites you in with hardwood floors leading up to living areas. Living room and dining room with big windows providing ample natural light and French doors to private deck. Spacious, open kitchen with granite counters, custom tile backsplash, ample cabinets, breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. Sunny nook area with large window looking out to deck. Large family room with gas fireplace and slider to rear deck. Powder room on main floor is great for guests.
Large, inviting master bedroom with walk-in closet. Master bath includes double vanity, soaking tub with tile surround and shower. Two additional bedroom are spacious. Full bathroom adjacent to the bedroom. Laundry room with shelving – full size washer and dryer included. Lower level includes access to garage, full bath and large bonus room – could be a great home office, entertainment area, play space or guest area.
Cozy deck with space to BBQ, relax and enjoy the serene setting of The Enclave. Fully fenced yard with garden space with room for any kind of play! Attached 2 car garage with room for storage. Additional parking in the driveway and guest parking out front too!
HOA dues include: Common area maintenance.
Outstanding Lake Washington schools – Bell Elementary, Finn Hill Middle School & Juanita High.
August 2019 – Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in the Eastside, King & Snohomish County Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
April 2019 – Kirkland Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Kirkland Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in Kirkland Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
April 2019 – Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in the Eastside, King & Snohomish County Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
March 2019 – Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in the Eastside, King & Snohomish County Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
March 2019 – Kirkland Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Kirkland Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in Kirkland Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
Another Happy Client! Sold 18% Above List Price at $1,066,700 with 10 Offers!
Tony Meier & Team made the selling process of our Kirkland home seem very easy and uncomplicated. They are very organized and responded very quickly with any question we had. We highly recommend them!
Mike and Jill Bishop
Sold in Kirkland – June 2018
“We got the absolute best price for our house because of Tony’s hard work and guidance.”
We first met with Tony in the fall of 2017. He was referred to us by a coworker of my wife. He was one of three agents that we contacted prior to listing our house. Our neighborhood in Kirkland has had a number of homes sold and tore down and replaced with million plus dollar homes and we received a postcards weekly offering quick cash to do the same so we looked into that possibility as well.
When Tony came to our house we told him our plan was to list our home in the fall of 2018 because we were having a house built that would not be done until then, as we did with the other agents we contacted but Tony explained the benefit of selling the house as is or making cosmetic improvement or making significant upgrades to our 55 year old house and finally how to maximize our sale by doing the upgrades and listing our house in the early spring.
My wife and I talked it over and weighed the pros and cons and after the first of the year we met with Tony again and told him we had decided to list our home when we returned from vacation in mid-April. We also asked him which upgrades would bring us the best return. He walked through the house and not only made the recommendations but also where we could get products for the best value. He also suggested that we list it before we left on vacation so we could maximize showings.
I did a lot of the work on my own and as I was nearing the deadline Tony would stop by not only to check on my progress but when needed he roll up his sleeves and give me a hand.
In the end I feel we got the absolute best price for our house because of Tony’s hard work and guidance. We have already recommended Tony to a couple of friends. One of which has already listed and sold their house through Tony. Thank you Tony and Team.
Galen and Pam Everett
Sold in Redmond – May 2018
Kirkland Home Seller – Sold with Multiple Offers and a Sales Price of 11% over the Listing Price!
Tony is a true professional. I believe his extensive knowledge in the local market, relationship with other real estate professionals and his strong negotiation skill helped me to sell my place above listing price in a week. Not to mention, he and his wonderful assistant Alise made the entire process as stress free as possible–they were on top of all the paperwork and closing dates. All of my questions (no matter how small) were answered promptly. I’m really glad that I made the choice to have Tony as my listing agent and I truly believe his knowledge and skill were the main reasons for my successful and smooth home selling transaction. Thank you Tony!
Rachel C.
Sold in Kirkland – March 2018
Remodeling Advice and Recommendations Leads to Profitable Kirkland Condo Sale
Tony, you were the perfect choice of an agent for the sale of the condo. You demonstrated knowledge, professionalism, transparency, and care in regard to the listing and sale. Your communication kept us “in the know” throughout the process. Not only did you have an initial meeting with us to see the condo, you met us at the condo a couple of times throughout the remodel process, which we know was nothing you “had to do.” We appreciate the remodel recommendations you gave us, including the one for cabinets and countertops, of which we were pleased with the results. We can not say enough about the video you made and the pictures you took showcasing all of the remodeled parts of the home. Your direction as when to complete the remodels, have an inspection, list the condo, have an open house, etc. were spot on. The results of your collaboration with us resulted in a smooth sale, that we were pleased was above asking price. The feared paperwork process was surprisingly just the opposite thanks to your time and explanations. We will be sure to recommend you to our family or friends who may be selling in the future.
Chantal and Kevin Porter
Sold in Kirkland – January 2018
Condo Buyer finds Success in Competitive Kirkland Market
I had a great home buying experience with you! I appreciate your excellent negotiating skills with Jeanette. I still can’t believe I got the exact condo I wanted at an unbelievable price! You definitely went the extra yard to secure this condo for me!! I especially appreciate all of your advice and continued support throughout the home buying process. It meant alot to me :):)
I want to also point out that Alise was a VERY important part of my wonderful home buying experience as well. She absolutely had my back every single step of the way! She answered my emails immediately, every single question was answered. She continually kept me in the loop throughout this whole process, and even now! She kept BofA on their toes, helping to assure my condo would close on time 🙂 which of course it did! She was a wonderful person to work with, who obviously enjoys her job and is extremely good at it! You are very fortunate to have her on your team!
Judy C.
Purchased in Kirkland – January 2018
Another Happy Client! Smooth Sale of Finn Hill Home in Kirkland
Communication was spot on, I never felt like I was waiting for a phone call or had any lingering questions throughout the process. Tony’s process was laid out and understood clearly. Most importantly there were no surprises. Tony is great at keeping on top of communication, I felt valued as a client throughout the entire process.
I would highly recommend him as an agent.
Jim and Amanda Records
Sold in Kirkland – October 2017
Sold 32.8% Above List Price with 41 Offers! Desire to Live Closer to Family Prompts Home Sale
Tony and his staff were amazing to work with. From the beginning he set clear expectations for the selling process. His organization, communication and attention to detail are second to none. We were very pleased with the process and outcome for the sale of our home. We will continue to recommend Tony to anyone looking for a great agent! Thanks again.
Sean and Christy Brogan
Sold in Kirkland – April 2017
Relocation to California Prompts Sale of Kirkland View Home
“We have used Tony’s services for many years and we keep going back to him.
We first ran into Tony when he was the selling agent of a luxury house we bought. We were so impressed with his work from a distance that we asked him to sell our original house right away. He helped us sell it at a great price with multiple competing offers in a week. This was in 2008 when the market was going south!
He recently helped us sell off this very luxury home. Tony knew the strengths and weaknesses of this house and helped us prep, price and present remotely since we no longer lived in the Seattle area. Not only was it a complicated house to sell, we had several mishaps along the way including a major water leak. Despite all this, Tony in his calm professional manner kept unblocking and moving forward and in the end got the house sold really fast.
What Tony brings to the table is a unique combination of street smarts, deep love for his profession, technology savviness and data driven skills. These combination of skills means that he not only gets the job done, he gets it done extremely well and with minimum fuss. Tony is the best and we continue to highly recommend him.”
Anantha and Laurence Kancherla – Sold in Kirkland – 2015
Life change causes sale of Kirkland Home
Purchased their perfect home to remodel in Downtown Kirkland
Hi Tony, as always you were able to guide us through to a successful purchase. This time when we put in our offer I didn’t expect it to be accepted. But you encouraged us to go through the process and sure enough we bought a house! Thanks for all your help and next time we want to buy a house (which I hope will be a while), you’ll be our first call. Thanks!
Downsizing after 29 years prompts sale of Kirkland home near Big Finn Hill Park
We had lived in our Kirkland home for 29 years when we decided to downsize and move into a condo. Tony placed our home on the market and in five days we had six offers. Tony skillfully managed the bidding war that developed and we ended up selling for $36,000 more than our asking price. Thank you Tony!!
Steve and Karen Pillitu – Sold in Kirkland – 2013
Real Estate Agent Review – Kirkland
Tony Meier made sure that I was clearly informed throughout the 2 year search for my new home. I understood all my options and he helped me narrow down my choices. I appreciated his patience and perseverance, and his quick response. His knowledge and expertise were extremely valuable when I finally found a suitable place, and frankly I don’t think the deal would’ve happened without him. Tony never steered me wrong. I’m glad I had his insight and market knowledge working for me. Thanks, Tony!
Real Estate Agent Reference – Kirkland
I was extremely satisfied with my experience with you Tony. Your approach to the initial marketing with the attention to details and honest approach to market placement was outstanding. The marketing follow up with internet, fliers and feed back was great. Keeping the seller, me, up to date was very important.
Your dedication to a professional and personal approach to real estate transactions is apparent and quite obviously led to success with a quick sale.
Once again, I appreciate the service you provided for my parents and myself in the selling of their home. I wish you continued success.
Real Estate Broker Reference – Kirkland
My husband Dow and I enthusiastically refer Tony to friends and acquaintances and encourage you to utilize his services. You will find in Tony a Realtor with experience, patience, empathy and perseverance.
We first met Tony when planning our first move to Seattle, back in 2000. Newly engaged, we were looking in a new city for our first house together. We were referred to Tony through a business contact, and Tony was kind enough to show us around the city. We honed in on West Seattle, an area far removed from Tony’s Eastside hub of Redmond, but never mind: Tony patiently showed us 60+ homes, almost exclusively in the West Seattle neighborhoods. When we finally alighted upon our house, Tony guided us through an effective, efficient purchasing process. We were proud owners of our first home!
When we decided to relocate back to the Seattle area after four years away, we immediately contacted Tony for help in finding our new home – this time on the Eastside! Our family status had changed by this point: we had a child and desired a good neighborhood, good school systems, and a community feel. Although we had lived for five years in Seattle, the Eastside was fairly foreign to us. Once again, Tony equipped us with the information we needed to identify and purchase a wonderful home in the West of Market neighborhood of Kirkland. We love our home and couldn’t be happier with the services Tony provided…and, he didn’t have to take us through 60+homes this go-round!
That’s not all, however. Since purchasing our home in March 2009, Tony has remained available for any questions regarding the home we might have, putting us in touch with professional and affordable craftsman who have made cosmetic improvements to our home, as well as reconnecting us to the original builder of the home for questions regarding installing a sprinkler system. At all times Tony is available, responsive, and above all, kind.
We strongly endorse Tony for any of your personal real estate needs. Please feel free to contact us with further questions you might have about him.
Real Estate Agent Review – Kirkland/Snohomish
Real Estate Broker Testimonial – Kirkland
Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to work with Tony as both a listing agent and a buyers representative. Given my experience, I cannot imagine working with anyone else to meet my Real estate needs. He provides the highest levels of service and gets the job done every time.
Real Estate Broker Review – Kirkland
Tony went way above the line to help us find a new home. His enthusiasm and commitment made the process fun.
Steve & Kathy Vincent – Purchased in Kirkland
Real Estate Broker Testimonial – Kirkland
Our home sold in 2 days and during this hectic period, Tony was constant in his detail. Even after all documents were legalized, he continued to facilitate any and all questions we had. Tony does not just sell and leave. We recommend and appreciate Tony’s attention to detail and thoroughness.
Ken & June Real – Sold in Redmond, Purchased in Kirkland