May 2015

We can't thank you enough for your help selling the house in Kent.  It was a daunting prospect at first glance when we made the decision to sell because we live out of town and weren't sure about a "long distance" situation. You made it so easy for us because you told us immediately upon inspection of the home what we realistically needed to do to get the house ready to sell.  We did not have a lot...

As recently posted on the results from the latest Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) showing where residential home prices are headed over the next five years. Today, we want to show you what the results of the report could mean to you. A good portion of every family’s wealth comes from the equity in the home they live in. As the value of their home (an asset) increases so does their equity....

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released the results of their Existing Home Sales Report. Despite the fact that properties are selling faster than they have at any other time since July of 2013, existing home sales declined 3.3% from March. NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explained the main reason for the slow: "April's setback is the result of lagging supply relative to...

If you are planning on selling your home over the next two years, now may be the time to act. Demand is high, supply is low and many homeowners are benefiting from an almost auction atmosphere with several buyers fighting for their house in the current multi-bid environment. Higher prices and less stringent contingencies are making it easier for the seller and their family. However, there may be more...

A recent post by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that in the months of December 2014 through February 2015, there was an increase in the number of first-time buyers making a down payment of 6% or less as compared to last year: 2014: 61% of first time home buyers 2015: 66% of first time home buyers While the number of small down payments is lower than it was in 2009 when...

Listed for $630,000 - Click here for more details Impeccably maintained and updated home in Bridlewood, originally built by Swanson Dean. Soaring, light-filled foyer and rich hardwood floors welcome you in. Large living room with vaulted ceiling, wainscoting, marble wrapped fireplace and ample windows overlooking the front gardens. The gracious dining room with wainscoting is a perfect place to share a...

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, 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 16% in Honolulu (HI), all the way to 55% in Sarasota (FL), and 35% Nationwide! The other interesting findings...

Earlier this week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest quarterly report. The report covered three important aspects of the housing market: Buyer Demand Supply of Housing Inventory Single Family Residential Prices Today, we want to break down the highlights of the report along with several quotes from Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist at NAR. Buyer Demand Total...

We recently reported that investment purchases in 2014 fell 7.4% for the year, that combined with a diminished supply of distressed inventory allowing for big profits, has real estate investors looking for a new way to make more money in 2015. So if they don’t have new properties to buy… how would they make more money? Easy… they are going to raise your rent! A recent article from Bloomberg...

We have reported many times that the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, with many basic similarities. Eric Belsky, the Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University expanded on the top 5 financial benefits of homeownership his paper - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. Here...

Some Highlights: Historically the Percentage of your income needed to afford a home vs. renting was a much closer margin. Making renting make sense. Now... Renting will cost you 30.1% of your income compared to buying a median home at 15.3% of your income. Either way you're paying a mortgage... why not have it be...

Four recent news articles confirmed that most Americans still see real estate as a great long term investment. The Gallup organization polled the American people and discovered that they believe that real estate is a better long term investment than stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings or bonds: A second survey was done by Edelman Berland which showed that: At the same time, Tim Rood,...

The Census recently released their 2015 Q1 Homeownership Statistics, and many began to worry that Americans have taken a step back from the notion of homeownership. The national homeownership rate (Americans who owned vs. rented their primary residence) increased significantly during the housing boom, reaching its peak of 69.2% in 2004. The Census Bureau just reported the first quarter of 2015 ended...

  Website   |   About Tony   |   Client References   |    Blog    |    Search Listings   |   Featured Listings The Eastside Home Report May 2015 Edition Western Washington Market Report Another Happy Client shares their Story! Pent-up demand triggering record pace of home sales around Western Washington Northwest...

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...

First of all I would like to say thank you for making the buying process smooth and exciting! The thing that I appreciated the most is that I had the feeling that you were really working for me! You listened to what I wanted and tried to get the best deal for me and did not try to convince me otherwise. In my past experiences I had the feeling that the realtor wanted to make sure that there would...

May 5th, 2015 Northwest Multiple Listing Service members notched a record high level of pending sales during April, surpassing the year-ago volume by nearly 1,800 transactions. Both closed sales and prices also surged last month as the spring market kicked into high gear. Buyer confidence and buyer ability to purchase are fueling activity, suggested Ken Anderson, the managing broker and owner of...

The first quarter of the year acted more like a spring real estate market, and it came in like a lion. Rising employment, low mortgage rates and very tight inventory created a buying frenzy. Homes sold within days of being listed — often for over asking price — frustrating buyers who faced a serious lack of homes to choose from. Further adding to the problem, many current homeowners were reluctant to...

Spring is in full force; the summer months are right around the corner. If you are debating moving up to your dream home, here are four great reasons to consider buying today instead of waiting. 1.) Buyer Demand is High & Inventory Is Low Recent numbers show that buyer demand is at the highest peak experienced in years, and inventory for sale is at a 4.6 months supply, which is still markedly...

Some Highlights From The Report: •80% of all pre-retirees in the South Atlantic region plan to stay there in retirement •4 out of 10 pre-retirees plan to relocate in retirement •Retirees in the South Central Region are most satisfied with their Cost of...