2016

Earlier this year we had to sell my brothers’ home and move him to an assisted living facility.  We were very fortunate that my brother remembered the name Tony Meier.  He was a neighbor of my brothers’ and was employed by Windermere Real Estate. From our first meeting with Tony we were impressed with his professionalism and knowledge.  He took time to explain the real estate trends in the area...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Dec. 5, 2016) - Pending sales of homes hit an all-time high for the month of November according to the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The report covering 23 counties around Washington state also shows the number of new listings added during the month plunged to the lowest level in 11 months, prompting MLS leaders to predict a busy winter for residential...

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 rather have been...

As the temperature in many areas of the country starts to cool down, you might think that the housing market will do the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are 4 reasons you should consider buying your dream home this winter instead of waiting for spring! 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the...

People across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year. It happens every fall; we ponder whether we should relocate to a different part of the country to find better year-round weather, or perhaps move across the state for better job opportunities. Homeowners in this situation must consider whether they should sell their house now or wait. If you are one of...

If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don’t overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed “7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation,” in which they warned: “Dated kitchens—just like bathrooms—are a major barrier for resale. Buyers want modern amenities and styling, and most aren’t interested in renovating...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Nov. 4, 2016) – Home sales around Western Washington outgained new listings again in October, fueling competition for scarce inventory and pushing prices higher. Some seasonal slowdown is still expected – and the Nov. 8 elections may be in play as well, according to brokers at Northwest Multiple Listing Service who commented on last month’s activity. MLS members reported...

Deciding to sell a home can be stressful and then finding the right agent to guide you through the process can be equally as stressful. Tony came recommended to us by close friends who had just sold their property through Tony. The first time Tony came to our home he was completely prepared with a comprehensive portfolio of homes and properties both listed and sold in our area. He gave us a full...

  The following analysis of the Western Washington real estate market is provided by Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. We hope that this information may assist you with making better-informed real estate decisions. For further information about the housing market in your area, please don't hesitate to contact me. ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Annual employment growth in Washington...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Oct. 5, 2016) - It's still a seller's market, but some leaders from Northwest Multiple Listing Service think the imbalance may be easing in some areas, pointing to a slower pace of sales and moderating prices. Others aren't convinced, citing mixed indicators. Northwest MLS statistics summarizing September activity show year-over-year gains in the volumes of new listings (up...

According to the latest Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index, the U.S. housing market has continued to move deeper into buy territory, supporting the belief that housing markets across the country remain a sound investment. The BH&J Index is a quarterly report that attempts to answer the question: In today’s housing market, is it better to rent or buy a home? The...

It’s that time of year; the seasons are changing and with them come thoughts of the upcoming holidays, family get-togethers, and planning for a new year. Those who are on the fence about whether or not now is the right time to buy don’t have to look much further to find four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home...

Tony did an excellent job in marketing our home. The professional video home tour, photos, and brochures drew the attention of many potential buyers, resulting in 9 offers on our home, and a sale well above our asking price. Specializing in the English Hill neighborhood, Tony is quite knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to deal with! I highly recommend Tony as your real estate expert. Todd and...

School is back in session, the holidays are right around the corner, you might not think that now is the best time to sell your house. But with inventory below historic numbers and demand still strong, you could be missing out on a great opportunity for your family. Here are five reasons why you should consider selling your house this fall:  1. Demand Is Strong The latest Realtors’ Confidence...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Sept. 7, 2016) - Home sales in Western Washington continued to outpace year-ago activity, but member-brokers at Northwest Multiple Listing Service say persistent inventory shortages are constraining activity. Despite a sparse selection in many areas, an expected summer slowdown, and "appraisal conundrums," Northwest MLS members notched 11,898 pending sales during August,...

Listed at $595,000 Beautifully maintained and updated two story home in the desirable Upper Preston area of Issaquah. The great room style floorplan boasts 1,780 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms and 1.75 baths. The home is ideally positioned on a 71,002 s.f. lot with lush trees and 150 feet of frontage on the Raging River. Recent updates include - new wood floors, updated kitchen and baths. The great...

Tony recently helped us sell our Woodinville area home, and we have been impressed with his service throughout the entire process. We had been in our house for over 20 years, and decided to down-size. A friend recommended Tony to us, and we’re very happy that he did. Rather than write a long run-on paragraph, I’m going to just provide a list of points that stood out as positives during a time that is...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Aug.4, 2016) - Home prices are still rising but the supply of homes is improving, prompting brokers to suggest some relief is in sight for would-be buyers. "We might actually be starting to move very slowly back toward a more balanced market," said OB Jacobi, president of Windermere Real Estate, in commenting on July's figures from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The MLS...

If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market. Answering the following 3 questions will help you determine if now is actually a good time for you to buy in today’s market. 1. Why am...

Listed for $1,200,000 This custom built home is located on a private 51,836 s.f. lot. Ideally positioned in the highly desirable neighborhood of Deer Run Estates of Woodinville, the home features 4 bedrooms, 4 separate baths, den, bonus, rec. room, 5,120 s.f. and a park-like lot. Wonderful home for entertainment with cozy spaces in a flowing layout. Craftsmanship and livability shows throughout with...

I want to thank you for coming through for us once again. We knew trusting you a second time,  to sell a house for us was the right decision.  Your knowledge of the industry and your going beyond the call of duty, proved you are still..... The hardest workin' man in real estate. Thank you, thank you! Your friends, Kim and Dan McCall - Sold in Redmond -...

June 26th, 2016 Working with Tony was a pleasure from the start. We were referred to Tony and his team by a good friend who had a very positive experience in selling their house in Bothell area. Since we had moved out of Bothell, a few years ago, my property was under rent and managed by my Property Manager. Tony presented his case very well and in spite of existing relationship with my Property Manager...

We were pleased with your service, especially with the following: *Highly responsive to frequent questions we made. *Professionally managed the selling process with detailed statistics and trends on the weekly market change, which helped a lot in making quick and rational decisions on price adjustments and other steps to increase the house attractiveness. *Open to our requests such as holding an "open...

Our experience with Tony Meier as our real estate agent was extraordinary. our first meeting to our last, Tony epitomized professionalism, character and honest straight talk. carefully laid out marketing strategy for our home was executed with precision and creativity. I had family members from the Midwest who were selling their home at the same time as we were and they couldn’t believe our realtor...

We would not hesitate to recommend Tony Meier for someone’s real estate needs. He was respectful, informative and considerate in leading us through the process of selling our home. We appreciated his personal attention to our own needs, as well as directing us towards making sound decisions in closing the sale John & Christine Groen - Sold in Redmond -...

Initially, we selected Tony Meier as our listing agent for our English Hill home because he had positioned himself as a specialist in the English Hill area through his website and marketing materials. After working with him, we feel that he would be the right agent to hire in any neighborhood in any market!  We sold our home in 5 days in a soft market. Tony has created a very effective formula for...

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Tony Meier. We used Tony to sell our house in Mount Claire Estates and purchase our current house. Tony has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. He is definitely a leader in the real estate field. We found that he was very knowledgeable on current market conditions and was able to market our home at a difficult time in a...

This was our first experience working with Tony!  We were looking to buy exclusively the English Hill area, and knew Tony was very knowledgeable about the neighborhood. Tony was a joy to work with. In all transaction she was organized, thorough, and friendly. He was very hands off as we toured houses, allowing us to make our own decision about property, which we really appreciated.  In the past we...

We recently contracted Tony to sell our house and help us locate a new property for purchase. the first conversation with Tony I made a light hearted comment that we wanted what I’m sure most people want when they are selling a home and that is to sell fast and sell high. Well, we sold our house in 10 days for a great price and in a buyers market! Tony is a solid Real Estate professional with over 20...

KIRKLAND, Washington (June 6, 2016) - Just as expected, the month of May had an uptick in new listings (12,272), but just as many buyers (12,275) made offers on homes during the month to keep inventory depleted, according to the latest figures from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. "Inventory is being squeezed from all directions," reported Frank Wilson, branch managing broker at John L. Scott in...

We wanted to thank you again for all your help with the sale of our home.  Your time and commitment to us was amazing.  Thanks for giving us the time and attention to help us with every question, every phone call and every meeting. Your state-or-the-art marketing covered every base. Our home was presented in every market and we couldn't have asked for more exposure.  There was never a question...

Listed at $1,180,000 Complete details here This custom built home was completely remodeled since 2013 and is located on a private 42,907 s.f. lot. Ideally positioned in the easily accessible English Hill area of Redmond, the home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den, bonus, 3,940 s.f. and a park-like lot. Wonderful home for entertainment with cozy spaces in a flowing layout. Craftsmanship shows...

I recently sold my home and Tony was extremely helpful every step of the way. From the initial consultation through closing he was always explaining the selling process and providing detailed analysis of market conditions. He created a very impressive web page just for my home and kept me updated throughout about status, feedback from buyers’ agents, etc. He was and still is to answer my questions and...

Every four years people question what effect the Presidential election might have on the national housing market. Let’s take a look at what is currently taking place. The New York Times ran an article earlier this week where they explained: “A growing body of research shows that during presidential election years — particularly ones like this when there is such uncertainty about the nation’s...

A study by Edelman Berland reveals that 33% of homeowners who are contemplating selling their house in the near future are planning to scale down. Let’s look at a few reasons why this might make sense for many homeowners, as the majority of the country is currently experiencing a seller’s market. In a recent blog, Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, highlighted the advantages of selling...

The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, and the market demand. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their latest Existing Home Sales Report which gives insight into today’s market conditions. Inventory Levels & Demand Sales of existing homes rose 5.1% month-over-month in March and are 1.5% higher than this time last year. Sales rose in all four...

KIRKLAND, Washington (May 5, 2016) - Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported strong gains in the volume of new listings its members added during April (up 13.6 percent from March), but inventory remained well below the supply needed for a more balanced market. MLS leaders say the lopsided market is prompting some anxious buyers to take ill-advised risks. Prices showed some signs of moderating...

With Tony as our guide the home selling and purchase process we experienced clean, crisp, expedient and patient counsel for each and every question that arose along the way. His expert advice and network of resources for preparation, staging and marketing of our property led to a rapid sale with no hassle. Throughout our purchase experience he greatly simplified the maze of writing up the offer, home...

In today’s market, where demand is outpacing supply in many regions of the country, pricing a house is one of the biggest challenges real estate professionals face. Sellers often want to price their home higher than recommended, and many agents go along with the idea to keep their clients happy. However, the best agents realize that telling the homeowner the truth is more important than getting the...

Selling a home is as stressful and hectic a time as you can ask for, but thanks to Tony, the sale of our home went more smoothly than we could have imagined! Tony's knowledge, demeanor and communication kept us informed and at ease throughout the process. No detail went unchecked. Tony is a true professional. Thanks! -Chan and Cynthia...

This is a not a sellers market. As a seller agent, it's important that he has a vision on how the market goes so he can help the seller to set a price to sell. Tony watches the market and knows the neighborhood really well. He advised me on setting a price that was appealing to the buyer and at the same time, I could make as much profit as possible. When we had different perspectives, he could work with...

KIRKLAND, Washington (April 4, 2016) - Traffic isn't the only thing that is gridlocked around many Puget Sound communities. "We're experiencing gridlock in the Puget Sound housing market," suggested J. Lennox Scott in reaction to the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. MLS figures show pending sales across the 23 counties it serves dropped about 4.5 percent in March compared...

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just announced that the February Pending Home Sales Index reached its highest reading since July 2015. What is the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)? NAR’s PHSI is “a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings”. The higher the Pending Home Sales Index number, the more contracts have been signed by buyers that will soon translate to sales....

We were completely satisfied with Tony's service. I particularly appreciated that Tony was willing to work with us, since we live in Japan.  This meant that all of the documents had to be signed electronically and he was able to make this process work well and patiently explain when we did not understand.  He responded to all of our inquiries in a timely and thoroughly professional way.  It was a...

We have used several agents over the past few years for Real Estate transactions and were always left in the end with questions left unanswered and a lot to be desired in terms of the "value add" these agents were able to provide. We had our house listed for a couple of months and it did not sell even in an extremely seller friendly Seattle market. That's when we interviewed Tony. We were extremely...

If you are looking for a well informed, organized and innovative real estate agent then Tony Meier is the agent I would recommend. Tony is well versed on all of the nuances, intricacies and aspects of a real estate transaction. He is clear on what needs to be done to make the sale or purchase of your home seamless and easy to maneuver through. I would recommend Tony to anyone looking to buy or sell and...

I had the privilege of working with Tony as my realtor when selling my home recently.  Tony possesses all the attributes necessary to be an excellent broker: he knows his market extremely well; he is diligent, responsive and very patient with his clients.  Tony is both very professional and personable.  He emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel very secure, puts his clients...

Working with Tony on the sale of our home and purchase of a new one was a pleasure. He is  extremely knowledgeable about real estate matters, accommodating, and was very sensitive to our needs every step of the way. Tony is a real "Pro" and we highly recommend him. Diane and Walt Freytag - Sold in Redmond (English Hill) and Purchased in Redmond (Trilogy)  -...

I am very satisfied with the support I got from Tony and his team. The pre-sale of the home and how best to position it for sale, was instrumental in the success we had at closing. I would recommend Tony and Windermere to anyone looking to buy/sell a home in the English Hill area. Mike Hemphill - Sold in Redmond -...

In school we all learned the Theory of Supply and Demand. When the demand for an item is greater than the supply of that item, the price will surely rise. SUPPLY The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently reported that the inventory of homes for sale stands at a 4.4-month supply. This is considerably lower than the 6-month inventory necessary for a normal market. DEMAND Every month...

Going into the 2016 spring market, the biggest challenge the real estate industry has is the lack of available housing inventory for sale. Here are a few experts and their thoughts on the subject: David Crowe, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders: “Many sellers may not have an absolute decision as to whether to buy an existing home or a new home. So the low inventory of...

Yesterday, we discussed the reasons why homeownership makes sense, financially. Today we wanted to touch on the emotional or ‘real’ reasons that many Americans strive to become homeowners.  The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s feel are most important in regards to...

In a recent blog post on Marginal Revolution, economist Alex Tabarrok discussed homeownership as an investment. Here is what Mr. Tabarrok had to say: “Housing is overrated as a financial investment. First, it’s not good to have a significant share of your wealth locked into a single asset. Diversification is better and it’s easier to diversify with stocks. Second, unless you are renting the...

KIRKLAND, Washington (March 7, 2016) - Home prices in King County hit new highs in February as buyers tried to outbid each other for the sparse inventory in much of Western Washington. "We're in for another crazy spring real estate market," predicts J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott, Inc. With the number of single family homes for sale in King County down nearly 30 percent from a...

I am keenly aware of how my role has evolved for our sellers over the last few years. Creating a compelling presentation for our client's homes has always been important. However, in the market we have had since 2013, extracting value from competing offers is where the real money is made for our clients! As illustrated in one of our recent articles... "Instead of the seller trying to ‘win’ the...

Every homeowner wants to make sure they maximize their financial reward when selling their home. But how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to ensuring you get the highest price possible. 1. Price it a LITTLE LOW This may seem counterintuitive. However, let’s look at this concept for a moment. Many homeowners think that pricing their home a little OVER...

With spring right around the corner, you may be wondering if you should wait to enter the housing market. Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at...

During the recession, many young adults graduating from college were forced to move back in with their parents. This caused new household formations to drop dramatically from the long term average of 1.2 million formations annually to half that number. However, this may be the year this turns back around. According to the Urban Land Institute’s report, Emerging Trends in Real Estate, household...

SOLD 2016! Beautifully maintained and updated home in the desirable neighborhood of Winchester Hills in Woodinville. The open floorplan boasts 3,009 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with den and bonus room. The formal living room has a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and large windows overlooking the front gardens. The dining room features hardwood floors & wainscoting - it’s a...

We had two goals to sell our home quickly and do so from out of state. Tony was key in helping us achieve these goals. The process was seamless and we highly recommend him. Dana Trujillo & Doug Lombardi - Sold in Redmond -...

Tony is an outstanding real estate professional. He offers a great deal of experience and local knowledge as it pertains to the east side. Overall we had two great experiences with Tony. He represented us as a Buyer's agent, a Seller's agent was an asset to us on both sides of the table and can be characterized as the following: - Extremely prepared: was prompt at every meeting and always came prepared...

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 256,000 properties regained equity in the third quarter of 2015. This is great news for the country, as 92% of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation. Price Appreciation = Good News For Homeowners Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains: “Home price growth continued to lift borrower equity positions and...

KIRKLAND, Washington (February 4, 2016) - Depleted inventory is contributing to "overwhelming" traffic at open houses, shifts in strategies for both buyers and sellers, and escalating prices, according to officials with the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Dick Beeson, a former chairman of the MLS board, said the lack of inventory in almost every county is, "without question, a 2016 game...

Is spring closer than we think? Depending on which Groundhog you witnessed today, you may have less time than you think to get your home on the market before the busy spring season. Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. However, the next six weeks before spring hits also have their own...

KIRKLAND, Wash. (Jan. 21, 2016) – Members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 88,331 closed sales during 2015, outgaining the prior year’s volume of 77,276 transactions for a 14.3 percent increase. Measured by dollars, last year’s sales of single family homes and condominiums were valued at more than $34 billion. Compared to 2014, that dollar volume represents a gain of nearly 23...

Tony—you were GREAT! You were patient, met with us often, hung around with us while we hemmed and hawed about the Kirkland house, worked closely with us so we understood the dynamics of the current housing market, and so much more! What really struck me was how you stayed at the house while the inspection was being done. You did everything you could to make the negotiations successful, the purchase...

The National Economic Forecast 1.The U.S. will continue to expand with real GDP growth of 2.3% in 2016. Although a positive number, the forecasted rate of growth suggests that we will be modestly underperforming in 2016.  On a positive note, oil prices are likely to remain well below long-term averages, which puts more money into consumers’ pockets in terms of disposable incomes.  However, I...

KIRKLAND, Washington (January 6, 2016) - Home prices have "clearly recovered" in King County and a few other areas served by Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Many member-brokers say prices are likely to keep rising as a backlog of buyers competes for depleted inventory. Those were among reactions from brokers upon reviewing the December statistics from the MLS. The latest report shows the year...

I initially had reservations as to how Tony took over the total selling of our home, like a bull in a china shop. He told us what needed to be done, to get out of his way, he made his famous video, got the house on the market, and sold it in a very little time. We hardly lifted a finger. I'd have no reservations having him sell our home the next time. Neal Schwartz Sold in Redmond...