2014

The New York Times recently published an editorial entitled, “Homeownership and Wealth Creation.” The housing market has made a strong recovery, not only in sales and prices, but also in the confidence of consumers and experts as an investment. The article explains: “Homeownership long has been central to Americans’ ability to amass wealth; even with the substantial decline in wealth after...

Below are the headlines from three separate news releases issued over a one month period: 11/3/2014 - Millions of Potential New Households Waiting Out the Recovery 11/11/2014 - Experts: First-Time Homebuyers' Weak Finances Holding Back Housing Market And then, the contrarian view: 12/2/2014 - In 2015, Millennials Will Be Biggest Home Buying Group It sure seems that the group that...

Yesterday, HousingWire reported that both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac formally announced their 3% down options on home purchases. Fannie Mae’s plan will be effective December 13, 2014 while the Freddie Mac plan will be available March 23, 2015. The HW article quotes FHFA Director Mel Watt: “The new lending guidelines released today by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will enable creditworthy...

The Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are each projecting mortgage interest rates to increase substantially over the next twelve months. What will that mean to the housing market in 2015? Last week, we posted a graph showing that home prices appreciated each of the last four times mortgage interest rates dramatically increased. Today,...

CNBC’s Diana Olick recently reported that rents in the residential housing sector continued to rise in 2014. She interviewed Jed Kolko, Chief Economist at Trulia, who revealed: "Rents are rising because of strong demand that supply hasn't kept up with. Nearly all the new households are renters, and young people moving out of their parents' homes will keep fueling rental demand." Where are rents...

// Post by Tony Meier - EastsideHomes.com - Seattle's Eastside Real Estate...

...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Dec. 4, 2014) - Buyer interest remains high and many good values exist for those whose holiday wish list includes a new home, according to brokers with Northwest Multiple Listing Service. A new report from the MLS summarizing November activity shows year-over-year gains in pending sales, closed sales and median prices. The report encompasses 21 counties, mostly in Western...

As we finish 2014, it appears the real estate market is once again on solid footing and ready to advance forward over the next few years. The strength of the market can be viewed using two metrics: projected home values and projected house sales. We recently reported that the Home Price Expectation Survey revealed future home values will continue to appreciate nicely. Today we want to look at...

...

When we needed to buy a house, you were our only choice.  We are a repeat customer, since you sold our house in Redmond in 2010. There is nothing you could have done to improve your service level.  You are perfect. Availability - You were always available, even with our crazy schedules, your extreme popularity and the extraordinary volume of houses we wanted to see. Knowledge - You had the excellent...

In a recent video update on the housing market, Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, stated that with both mortgage interest rates and home prices projected to increase in 2015 buying now makes sense. “If you are planning to buy a home in the next year, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later.” Here are the latest mortgage interest rate projections from four major housing...

As we discussed last week one reason to sell now is demand is still strong. With inventory levels also still below historic numbers, you could be missing out on a great opportunity for your family. 1. There Is Less Competition Now Housing supply just dropped to 5.1 months, which is under the 6 months’ supply that is needed for a normal housing market. This means that, in many areas, there are not...

When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is to actually get the home sold. In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed the purchaser’s...

Most homeowners believe that the winter is not a good time to sell. This belief is based on the fact that historically the number of buyers decreases in the winter and then increases dramatically during the spring buying market. Though this is still true, there is an interesting pattern developing over the last few months. The number of prospective purchasers actively looking at a home (foot...

Listed for $560,000 - Click here for more details Charming, 2012 built home by Toll Brothers in the desirable Summer Grove neighborhood. The spacious floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and approximately 2,186 s.f. on a private lot. Huge living room features a gas fireplace and ample windows. Formal dining room with slider to the patio - perfect for BBQing or entertaining! Big kitchen with granite...

Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+...

Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. Last year, he released a paper on homeownership - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. In his paper, Belsky reveals five financial reasons people should consider buying a...

I was very impressed with Tony’s photography, video, and write up on his Eastside Homes webpage.  The staging looked near perfect, the advertising looked great, and I was very encouraged that after all the hard labor and expense of remodeling we were headed to multiple offers. Marc and Sarah Kramer - Sold in Woodinville -...

Our family has known and worked with Tony Meier, of Windermere R.E. Northwest, Inc., for many years. We have always found him to be a top professional in his field, responsive to our requests, always available when called upon and easy to work with. Recently we listed our home with Tony after he presented a very well thought out and professional marketing plan which addressed all of our questions and...

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO. The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but have rather been...

Tony helped us navigate a very tricky relocation to the West Coast from Boston. He worked tirelessly to show us over a dozen houses in two days, and then helped us negotiate a bid on a property that we loved. As luck would have it, we were then forced into a difficult bidding war with another buyer. Tony was very skillful in putting together a bid package that helped us win the house of our dreams. I...

It's that time of year, the seasons are changing and with them bring thoughts of the upcoming holidays, family get togethers, and planning for a new year. Those who are on the fence about whether now is the right time to buy don't have to look much farther to find four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise The Home Price Expectation Survey...

In Trulia’s latest Rent vs. Buy Report, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is from an average of 17% in Honolulu, all the way to 63% in Detroit, and 38% Nationwide! This is up from an average of only 5% cheaper in...

Some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on without the assistance of a real estate professional, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Here are five of our reasons 1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be...

There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either your mortgage or your landlord’s. As a paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains:  “Households must consume...

Tony, I think you were right on with how you did things.  You were out to sell the house and do it as fast as you could. And you did it!  Plus sold it for more than the asking price.  You were always available to us when we had questions or needed something.  I know I wasn't very excited about the whole thing in general, but that was because I didn't want to move.  It was also hard for me because...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

  KIRKLAND, Washington (Nov. 5, 2014) - Home buyers are back, and they're savvy and selective, according to officials who commented on the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. For sellers, that means pricing a home correctly at the start is vital, said industry veteran Kathy Estey, a member of the MLS board of directors. The new report summarizing October activity shows...

A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed when renters were asked why they do no plan to own in the future, financial constraints were a more common response than the perceived lifestyle benefits they may receive from renting. Today, we want to go over those financial challenges and see if we can put some fears to rest and also clear up some misconceptions....

There is a common misconception that many buyers have regarding the down payment necessary to purchase a home. Multiple studies reveal that 40-50% of Americans believe you need between 15-20% of a down payment to be eligible to purchase a home. This misconception came about as the government just last year debated new guidelines for residential mortgages because of the housing collapse in 2007....

The Gallup organization conducts an annual report entitled the Economy and Personal Finances Poll, which asks Americans to choose the best option for long-term investment. It was no surprise that real estate returned to the top position over other investment categories (gold, stocks/mutual funds, savings accounts/CDs and bonds). Back in 2011, gold was the most popular long-term investment among...

If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually a good time for you to buy a home. There are three questions you should ask before purchasing in...

Billionaire money manager John Paulson was interview at the Delivering Alpha Conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. During his session he boldly stated: "I still think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment you can make is to buy a primary residence that you're the owner-occupier of.” Who is John Paulson? Paulson is the person who, back in 2005 & 2006, made a...

We happened to find Tony randomly through an open house. We liked his honesty and straight forward manner.  He let us contact him. When we did decide to proceed, he came to our house and walked us through what we needed to do for our house.   This was a very emotional process for my wife and I and he guided us through the process without being emotionally involved. He followed through, helped us make...

A recent study has concluded that 39% of buyers prefer to rent out their last residence rather than sell it when purchasing their next home. The study cites that many homeowners were able to refinance and “locked in a very low mortgage rate in recent years. That low rate, combined with a strong rental market, means they can charge more in rent than they pay in mortgage each month... so they are...

In real estate there is a difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain. Recently, we reported that a nationwide panel of over one...

Discover Home Loans conducted an interesting survey that revealed how prepared homebuyers are for the actual mortgage process. The survey reported that 94% of prospective buyers believe they are making a good investment decision if they buy a home. The survey also explained that 66% of buyers reach out to real estate agents to help determine whether buying a certain home would be a good...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Oct. 6, 2014) – Pending sales of homes around Western Washington surged more than 13 percent in September compared to a year ago, and listing activity picked up slightly, fueling both broker optimism and words of advice for sellers. Along with increases in the number of mutually accepted offers, the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service shows year-over-year...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

Our family has just completed a highly successful sale of my parent's house under Tony Meier's expert guidance. I called him on a tight schedule in the middle of a complicated situation. He responded immediately with great competence and compassion. Tony went out of his way to meet the many deadlines and needs dictated by the health and welfare of my parents. He jumped right into the listing and provided...

Tony did a great job helping us sell our home.  He is very knowledgeable about current market conditions and expertly guided us through the sales process.  Tony helped us set a price, he helped us with presentation suggestions and he helped us with many other details of the sales process.  He put together a very nice walk-through video and a very professional flyer. Tony’s best quality is his...

Thank you for all your help in selling my home. Overall the experience was easy and stress free. I appreciated your timely assistance and your responsiveness to my questions. I will recommend you and Windermere to others in my family in the future. I was particularly pleased that you were explicit about how the house should be shown and what should be done to make it desirable for buyers. I believe that...

In my real estate transaction, there was nothing that Tony Meier could have done to improve my service level or enhancing my Real Estate experience. I was completely satisfied with his level of participation and service while representing our property to other industry Sales Agents and prospective clients. He inspected our property, made some suggestions, took professional digital photographs, which...

We were happy with our choice of Tony Meier to sell our English Hill home.  He is by far the most accomplished realtor in the neighborhood and comes with a wealth of knowledge. Tony was always available for questions and open to suggestions.  He ultimately did exactly what we asked: found a buyer for our home.  We recommend Tony to sell your house. Adam Holcott and Erin Drayer—Sold in...

You did an excellent job! I really liked all the technical information you are able to put out like the web sites and feedback! You handled this tuff situation very well. Over all it was a very positive experience for me. Jason Tauscheck - Sold in Kirkland -...

As far as I'm concerned, there was nothing else you could have done to make this experience any better than it was!  From sitting down with me and providing the information about market trends and meet comps was invaluable.  Listing and showing my home while I was out of town was so convenient. Getting feedback online and the many resources to market my house was impressive. You provided exemplary...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

Listed for $559,500 - Click here for more details This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two story home is situated in the quiet neighborhood of Rosewood. The home features rich hardwood floors, wood windows, white molding, and 6 panel doors. The sunken formal living room has a brick wrapped, wood-burning fireplace and sunny windows overlooking the front yard. Generous formal dining room with hardwood floors and...

Tony Meier was able to help us land a deal on our dream house which probably would not have been possible without his suggestions and ideas. He was attentive to the details and always answered our questions thoroughly and promptly. This was probably our best experience with an agent to date. We have bought 3 houses and sold 2. Tom and Leslie Delorenzi - Purchased in Redmond -...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

A recent survey by Zelman & Associates revealed that 38% of those between the ages of 25-29 years old and 42% of those between the ages of 30-34 years old believe that a minimum of 15% is required as a down payment to purchase a home. A recent questionnaire administered by Freddie Mac showed that over 50% of all respondents thought 20% was required as a down payment. In actually, a purchaser may...

Many clients have asked where interest rates are headed over the next several months. While no one has a crystal ball, we did want to share what some experts are saying on the subject. HSH.com “For now, and likely through the summer, we may see data-driven bumps and dips in rates. Although we managed a slight dip presently, a bump is in order before long.” Freddie Mac “In the next few...

This was my fourth transaction with Tony and while home buying/selling is never an easy transaction, Tony certainly makes it very smooth. Tony kept me apprised along all steps of the process and even kept the other agent on his toes. He is a good friend but we'll have to keep our friendship non-business since I plan on staying in this "forever" home! Thanks again Tony! Liz Dodd—Purchased in...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

Download a pdf here: Why Now Is a Good Time to Sell For more information on the market and how it applies to you, contact...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

Until this year, my husband & I had never been the "sellers" of a house before. We appreciated Tony's straightforward explanations of the process including how the current market could effect our selling price. Tony provided real-time data, specific to our buyer's and we felt confident we had the best realtor at our side. Our result was a thoughtful, well-reasoned plan to sell our house quickly, while...

Tony, I acquired your name through both friends and family members that were very pleased with the services you provided in the sales and purchases of their homes.  Their high praise was well justified. The ageing home you helped me sell was located on a very unique property, with several stumbling blocks.  Your realistic advice proved to be accurate each time.  Though I did not want to spend more...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

Housing activity in Western Washington ranges from “red hot” to “slowly healing” KIRKLAND, Wash. (May 6, 2014) – Brokers report some skittishness among both buyers and sellers, but the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service indicate the housing market is continuing to rebound. Both the number of pending sales and the number of new listings added to inventory during April...

KIRKLAND, Wash. (April 3, 2014) – Northwest Multiple Listing Service brokers reported rising prices on fewer sales during March compared to a year ago, citing inventory shortages as the main reason. Members of the MLS reported 9,183 pending sales (mutually accepted offers) during the month, about 300 fewer than the same period a year ago for a 3.2 percent drop. Compared to February, pending sales...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

The housing market has turned a corner. Two years of solid appreciation in the Seattle area shows that to be true. In addition, the Federal Government is easing their support for the bond market, so the ability to get a loan at a discounted rate is coming to an end. Here is the change seen on the Eastside from 2012 to 2013: What will waiting cost you in 2014? If we take a conservative look at value...

Yes, in fact it is one of the best investments you can make! The graphic above is based upon national numbers, here is what King County looks like: Residential Median Price in 2000 = $250,000 Residential Median Price in 2013 = $415,000 Total Increase = 66% As much as my investment adviser would hate for me to tell you this, the Seattle area's real estate market remains one of the best...

Now that the recession has ended, the divorce rate is back on the rise. The number of Americans getting divorces rose for the third year in a row to about 2.4 million in 2012, according to census data. The divorce rate had plunged to a 40-year low in 2009. "Whatever the social and emotional impact, the broad economic effects of the increase are clear: It is contributing to the formation of new...

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Now that the worst of the foreclosure crisis is in the rearview mirror, former home owners who lost their homes to a short sale or foreclosure are re-entering the housing market. They've spent the last few years rebuilding their credit — and they're ready to buy again. "We're about three years past the peak of the foreclosures, and that's...

Investors Target 'Hipster' ZIPs for Flipping DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 Hipsters usually refers to a subculture of 20-something or 30-something men and women who follow the latest lifestyle trends and fashion. Many hipsters have delayed forming their own households and are living with their parents longer to get more control over their finances and find steadier...

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014 Mortgage delinquencies nationwide have plummeted to their lowest level in more than five years, as more home owners are coming out of the red on their payments, according to credit reporting agency TransUnion. The number of borrowers who are at least two months behind on their mortgage payments dropped to 3.85 percent in the fourth quarter of...

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Strong year-over-year price gains are starting to take a bite into housing affordability, particularly in the West, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest quarterly report. The median single-family home price rose in 73 percent of the markets, or 119 out of 164 metro areas, in the fourth quarter of 2013, with 26...

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 The spring selling rush may already be under way, as some home owners are already throwing their properties on the market to take advantage of rebounding home prices and improved equity. Paul Reid, a real estate agent in Temecula, Calif., says some sellers are listing properties earlier than usual in anticipation of the spring...

I don’t know of anything that could have been done better, to assist in the closing on our home purchase.  Tony worked numerous days in the research of, and touring 20-30 homes.  He provided invaluable information about areas, neighborhoods, and local environments.  The negotiating process went smoothly, and resulted in a very positive conclusion. Tony took our input for house-interests, and...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

KIRKLAND, Wash. (Feb. 5, 2014) – Home sales during January may not have been as super as the Seahawks’ performances, but brokers cite several reasons for optimism during 2014. “We are finally going to be looking at the ‘housing crisis’ in the rear view mirror,” said Mike Gain, CEO and president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate. “In 2014 we are definitely in full...

Advice site Lifehacker.com recently reminded its readers to protect against four different kinds of infestations: spiders; mice, rats, and other rodents; attic critters such as squirrels and raccoons; and bugs that nestle in firewood. A partial solution shared by the first three problems is making sure that all points of entry are sealed, from tiny cracks to holes in the roof. Once that's accomplished,...

If You Want to Flip, Do It Now DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2014 In 2013, home flips snagged sellers a tidy profit. But the trend may not continue. RealtyTrac's Home Flipping Report for the fourth quarter of 2013  showed single-family home flips were up 16 percent from 2012 and up 114 percent from 2011. The average gross profit for a home flip—defined as a home being...

Homebuilder Says It's Upbeat Enough to Raise Prices Again DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014 D.R. Horton, the largest U.S. home builder by homes sold, announced that strong sales will allow the company to raise prices for an early start of the spring home-selling season. The homebuilder announced a 4 percent increase in sales contracts in the first fiscal quarter ending Dec....

Northwest MLS brokers report nearly $25.5 billion in sales for 2013, outgaining prior year in both number of homes sold and dollar volume! KIRKLAND, Wash. (Jan. 22, 2014) – Members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 75,517 closed sales during 2013, surpassing the 2012 volume by around 11,000 transactions for an increase of nearly 17 percent. Measured by dollars, last year’s sales of...

We chose to go back to Tony when we were ready to sell our townhouse and purchase a house because of his superb performance in helping us find our townhouse.  Tony goes above and beyond and obviously cares very much about his clients and in getting things done in a timely manner.  He is friendly and professional and extremely knowledgeable in his field.  We had many questions about both purchasing and...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

Northwest Multiple Listing Service - Kirkland, Wash. (Jan. 6, 2014) – Brokers with Northwest Multiple Listing Service ended 2013 with the best year-over-year improvement in inventory (up 8.4 percent) and a similar gain in closed sales to buoy confidence heading into the new year. December’s pending sales slipped slightly (down about 1.7 percent) compared to the same month a year ago. “Positive job...