January 2016

It is common knowledge that a large number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their home on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the...

TransUnion recently released the results of a new study titled “The Bubble, the Burst and Now - What Happened to the Consumer?” The study revealed that 1.5 million homeowners that were negatively impacted by the housing crisis could re-enter the housing market in the next three years. TransUnion defined “negatively impacted” as… “…those who were 60+ days past due on a mortgage loan,...

Fannie Mae recently released their “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study. The study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home. Here are three takeaways: 59% of Americans either don’t know (54%) or are misinformed (5%) about what FICO score is necessary 86% of Americans either don’t...

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...

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are too young. And still others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage. We want to share what the typical first time...

This Burnstead resale has been recently updated and located in the desirable neighborhood of Coventry on English Hill. The open floorplan boasts 1,670 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.25 baths on a lush greenbelt lot. The list of recent and extensive updates include: Outside - high quality roof, carriage style garage doors, new windows, trim and front door. Inside - rich hardwood floors, designer tile,...

Listed for $500,000 - Complete details at: http://eastside-and-seattle-homes.com/Listing/19920-state-route-9-se-snohomish Beautifully maintained and updated home in the desirable Maltby area of Snohomish. The open floorplan boasts 2,206 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with vaulted ceilings in most areas. The home is ideally positioned on a 58,552 s.f. lot which backs to the greenbelt!...

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...

Listed at $800,000 Beautifully maintained and updated home in the desirable neighborhood of Sheffield on English Hill. The gracious floorplan boasts 2,950 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus den & bonus room. The home is ideally positioned on a 19,831 s.f. lot which backs to the greenbelt! The list of extensive updates includes remodeled kitchen & baths! The formal living room has a bay...

If you are debating listing your house for sale this year, here is the #1 reason not to wait! Buyer Demand Continues to Outpace the Supply of Homes For Sale The National Association of REALTORS’ (NAR) Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun recently commented on the inventory shortage: “While feedback from REALTORS® continues to suggest healthy levels of buyer interest, available listings that are...

Some Highlights: Happy New Year! If you plan to buy your dream home or sell your house in 2016, resolve to use a real estate professional! Real Estate Professionals are there for you through the entire process to help with paperwork, negotiations, pricing, and so much more! Let's get together to discuss the difference having a professional in your corner can...

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...