Thank you to my clients who have nominated me as a 2008 FIVE STAR: Best In Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent! With 14,000 agents in the Seattle area it is nice to be recognized as one of the best in my field. Here is the official press release: Posted: December 5, 2008 Seattle, WA (December 5, 2008) - In the December 2008 issue of Seattle magazine, the 2008 FIVE STAR: Best...
2008
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing. 2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.3. Get your finances in...
Forbes names Seattle as the market most likely to rebound. Here is the article: Real Estate Markets Most Likely To ReboundDorothy Pomerantz 10.29.08, 4:00 PM ET If you're a homeowner seeing property values plummet, look to the commercial real estate market for solace. It might tell you which areas will recover fastest--and which will likely remain weak. The Urban Land Institute recently asked 700 real...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If...
Are you thinking of buying your first home or moving up in the near future? If so, now is the time to get your finances in order. Here are some tip to help: 1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as...
Existing-home sales increased last month as buyers responded to improved housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – rose 5.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million units in September from a level of 4.91 million in August. Home sales are 1.4 percent...
These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move. 1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of...
Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Redmond for the last two years. The chart starts off at $247.85 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $287.16 per square foot in the summer of 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $247.26 per square foot. If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to...
News from NW Multiple Listing Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2008 Pending Sales Up 4.1 Percent From Year Ago, Total Inventory Unchanged KIRKLAND, Wash. (Oct. 6, 2008) – Home sales around Western Washington during September rose 4.1 percent from a year ago, reversing a 19-month pattern of declines. Members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 5,982 pending sales (offers made and...
This is a complicated question. To discover the answer, we must know the forces that control our market. Real estate is a supply vs. demand business and is heavily related to the rate of absorption of the inventory. Absorption Rates If we have low inventory and high demand the absorption rate is high and we have a seller’s market. Conversely, if we have high inventory and low demand the absorption...
Buy Used: Whether you’ve just moved to a new home or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for clothing and other everyday items. Use your creativity in gift giving (http://www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php), including making...
H.R. 3221, the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,” passed the House on July 23, 2008, by a vote of 272-152. On Saturday, July 26, 2008, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 72-13. The President signed the bill on July 30, 2008. The bill includes the following provisions: GSE Reform – including a strong independent regulator, and permanent conforming loan limits up to the greater of...
Hey Chicken Little.... the sky has not fallen! If you believe everything you read in the press, you would think real estate values are plummeting and all of the homes on the Eastside and Seattle are short sales or foreclosures! While the incidences of these events has definitely risen - especially in South King County, don't write the King County Real Estate Market off just yet! The Puget Sound...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...
Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. I am frequently asked what equipment I use to take photograph the homes I sell. I am a Canon shooter. I have invested several thousand in a good camera body, wide angle lens, several flash units and software to process the photos - which makes sure the homes I sell are shown in their...
The median price for residential homes in King County continues to hold steady! In spite of “supply vs. demand” that favors a buyer in most areas and price ranges, the median price has shown modest gains this year. Here is a break down month by month: Month 2008 – Year to date 2007 – Year to...
The following is a list of 2008 Summer Events happening in Seattle and throughout the Eastside. I hope you can get out and enjoy the summer ahead! June 7-8 Tastin’ n Racin’ - Issaquah, Lk. Samm. Park www.tastinracin.com 15 ...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week's update is coming to you on Tuesday, due to the Memorial Day holiday. I was busy playing with my kids! :-) This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in...
Usually I post some really pathetic photos from my colleagues here in the Northwest. This week is different. These photos are clearly professional quality. Given the nature of the photo, I would even say the photographer is trying for art. My questions is... are real estate marketing photos supposed to be art? Here is the photo that I came across today... As I have mentioned in some of my...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...
If buying or selling a home is in your future, Tony will help you understand the current market and prepare you for success. He sold our home in 1 day and closed in 21 days using the very latest in internet marketing tools combined with traditional multiple listing services. We haven't had such a pleasant real estate experience ever! Ed & Tricia Hamman - Sold in Mountlake Terrace -...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. It appears that Seattle is back on the mend with many of the numbers returning to a balanced market. In fact, some areas and price ranges are clearly favoring the seller! When looking at these...
Just Listed for $419,000 7782 NE 122nd Lane, Kirkland Fantastic two story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1663 s.f, townhome in desirable Sinclair. This private setting is just minutes to Juanita Beach and Downtown Kirkland! Extensively upgraded, this unit is in pristine, move-in condition. The chef’s kitchen includes - breakfast bar, ample maple cabinets, black granite counters, under & over cabinet...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than...
Tony is by far the best real estate agent I have ever worked with. I first met him by recommendation when moving to Redmond in 1998. He was our agent when buying in a sellers market and helped me find a home in a reasonable time. Now in 2008 we are moving to the East Coast and in a buyers market Tony again helped us market our home and sell it in 13 days. We have been more than satisfied with the results....
Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. When you find something really good or in the case REALLY BAD, it is hard to resist finding more of it. This weeks's collage (I am embarrassed to say) comes from one of my colleges at Windermere. Yes, even some Windermere agents suck at photography!!! Okay agents... repeat after...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. It appears that Seattle is back on the mend with many of the numbers returning to a balanced market. In fact, some areas and price ranges are clearly favoring the seller! When looking at these numbers,...
News from NW Multiple Listing ServiceFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2008 Northwest MLS Brokers Report Stable Prices, “Great Opportunities” for First-time Buyers KIRKLAND, Wash. (April 4, 2008) – Stable housing prices and strong real estate fundamentals are creating an attractive market for buyers, according to officials from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Commenting on just-released...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...
Tony is a very creative and result oriented realtor! I was impressed when he sold me a house with his marketing, follow up and professionalism. I had no doubt he would do a great job if I had to sell my house in the very tough market that it is today. Tony delivered instant results...he is very clear about what will work and what will not. He follows up very well. He has a great set of referrals who...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...
When you purchase a home, the title company will send you a copy of the title report before closing. The review of this document and all attachments should be a contingency in your contract. Here are some tips on what to look for: Premium / Coverage - Are the Sales price and Loan amounts accurate? Proposed Insured(s) - Is buyer’s name spelled exactly as appears on the...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. It appears that Seattle is back on the mend with many of the numbers returning to a balanced market. In fact, some areas and price ranges are clearly favoring the seller! When looking at these...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you...
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep the following in mind: 1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than...
Thinking of remodeling your home? In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a homes value and general appeal. Afterall, isn't that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Minor Kitchen Remodel Project Description: In a functional but dated...
Septic SystemsBy: Tony MeierEastside Realtor You just bought your dream home! A fantastic two story on a nice piece of land. You were told that it had a septic system when you bought it, you also had it inspected (right!), now how do you maintain this thing? This question comes frequently and unless you have had septic system before, you may have no idea what to do to keep your system in optimum...
It is Super Bowl weekend. Our house, like millions others will be busy with the festivities. The smell of chili, salsa, beer & chips... all ground into the carpet no less! Good times! :-) In addition to the fun, we will be doing something else this weekend. Certainely not as exciting, but definitely more important! We will be changing out all the batteries in our smoke detectors. This is...
Valentines Day will soon be upon us! Just 3 weeks away! If you are looking for that special spot to take your Valentine this year, check out one of Seattle's best date spots. Make sure you make your reservation early! 1. 94 Stewart Restaurant 94 Stewart St , Seattle , WA , 98101 Hidden on a Pike Place side street, this cozy gem serves bistro favorites made from fresh, local...
I have had a terrific time relaxing with the family and enjoying the holidays! The holidays are a great time to connect with friends and family, to consider all you have to be thankful for and to reflect upon the future ahead. As I do, I look forward to 2008 with great optimism. The real estate market in the Seattle area has changed from a hot sellers market to a more balanced market. As I...