October 2008

Does the Current Real Estate Market Scare You?

Are you unsure WITCH way to turn? There Is No Need To Worry!The Real Estate Market Does Not Have To Be A Scary Place!With two decades of experience, I know how to navigate the changing market successfully and profitably for my clients!  If I can help you get your home SOLD or assist with the purchase of a new home, give me a call at 425-466-1000   Happy Halloween...

Market Update – Eastside Residential

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! If...

Time Change: We go back to Standard Time at 2 a.m. on November 2nd

My business coach, David Meihaus from Buffini and Company sent me this great item on the value of time. Enjoy! TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE! May this reminder help you use it well! The clock is running. Make the most of your time, and of today! TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF: ONE YEAR-- ask a student who has failed his final exam ONE MONTH--ask the mother of a premature baby ONE WEEK--ask the editor of...

To-Do List: Get Your Finances in Order

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...

NAR: Home Sales Rise as Affordability Improves

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...

Does Moving Up Make Sense?

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...

Mortgage Workouts Increase as Banks Ramp Up

Banks, faced with rising foreclosures, government pressure and economic realities, are growing more willing to modify loans to keep borrowers out of foreclosure.More than three million U.S. homeowners over the last 15 months have either received loan modifications or are involved in programs where that will be the result.* About 2.26 million mortgages have been modified under the Hope Now program, an...

Average Price Per Square Foot in Sammamish, Washington

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Sammamish for the last two years. The chart starts off at $266.33 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $280.72 per square foot in April 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $250.54 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to...

Average Price Per Square Foot in Bothell, Washington

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Bothell for the last two years. The chart starts off at $211.20 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $219.76 per square foot in June 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $189.45 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to contact...

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is almost here! As you prepare for the festivities, keep the following tips handy: Costume Safety -Check to make sure the costume is flame retardant.-If the costume is made with dark fabric, use reflective tape or wear a glowstick necklace.-Make sure your costume fits properly, hem any excess material to prevent tripping.-Masks should fit properly allowing for sight and breathing.-Use...

Average Price Per Square Foot in Bellevue, Washington

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Bellevue for the last two years. The chart starts off at $315.06 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $361.78 per square foot in July 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $300.11 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free...

Average Price Per Square Foot in Kirkland, Washington

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Kirkland for the last two years. The chart starts off at $305.61 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $350.38 per square foot in the May 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $294.65 per square foot.       If you would like to more about home price trends in a...

Average Price Per Square Foot in Woodinville, Washington

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Woodinville for the last two years. The chart starts off at $249.26 per square foot in October 2006. While prices do appear to be trending down... strong sales in September 2008 brought the price is $258.49 per square foot!   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular...

Government Takes $250 Billion Stake in Banks

The U.S. Treasury announced plans today to purchase up to $250 billion in preferred stock from the nation's top banks. The move is part of a plan that President Bush says will help prevent recession and preserve the free market. "Government owning a stake in any private U.S. company is objectionable to most Americans – me included," Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said in a statement....

Average Price Per Square Foot in Seattle

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Seattle for the last two years. The chart starts off at $285.94 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $319.32 per square foot in August 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $279.72 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to...

Average Price Per Square Foot in Redmond, Washington

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...

Western Washington Pending Sales Rise!

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...

Has the King County Real Estate Market reached the bottom?

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...

Is your home a “Green” house? Some tips for green living…

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...