May 2019

There have been many headlines decrying an “affordability crisis” in the residential real estate market. While it is true that buying a home is less affordable than it had been over the last ten years, we need to understand why and what that means. On a monthly basis, the National Association of Realtors (NAR), produces a Housing Affordability Index. According to NAR, the...

As loved ones start to get older, we start to wonder: how long will they be able to live alone? Will they need someone there to help them with daily life? There’s a reason to ask those questions now more than ever, as the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78years old! As a result, 41% of Americans in the market are searching for a home that can accommodate a multigenerational family. The...

In today’s housing market, home prices are increasing at a slower pace (3.7%) than they have over the last eight years (6-7%). However, they are still are above historical norms. Low supply of listed homes and high demand from buyers has pushed prices to rise rapidly. In the mind of the homeowner, annual home price appreciation over 6% has become the new normal. This becomes a challenge when a...

Every year, Gallup surveys Americans to determine their choice for the best long-term investment. Respondents are given a choice between real estate, stocks, gold, and savings accounts. For the sixth year in a row, real estate has come out on top as the best long-term investment! That has not always been the case. Gallup explains: “Between 2008 and 2010, covering most of the Great Recession...

Many studies suggest one of the main reasons for the inventory shortage in today’s market of homes for sale is that older generations have chosen to “age in place” over moving. The 2019 Home Buyers & Sellers Generational Trend Report by NAR clarifies this point! NAR’s findings show that Baby Boomers (43%) and the Silent Generation (12%) made up 56% of sellers in 2018! This means the...

According to CoreLogic, from 2006 to 2014 “there were 7.3 million housing foreclosures and 1.9 million short sales.” The hesitation some Americans feel after experiencing a foreclosure brings to mind the old saying: “Fool me once- shame on you. Fool me twice- shame on me.” According to the 2019 Home Buyer Report from NerdWallet, “Thirteen percent of Americans have lost a home due to a...

In today’s real estate market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. In a realtor.com article entitled, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind,” the author highlights some steps that first-time homebuyers can take to help carry their excitement of buying a...

Tony and his team were a real joy to work with throughout the whole process of listing, selling, and closing of our house. Tony remained patient and understanding through the many times of being ready, then not being ready to sell. Third time was the charm! Tony and staff were always available to answer any questions or concerns and calm the nerves. Thanks Tony and Team! Doug and Patti Sunseri Sold...

Some Highlights: ATTOM Data Solutions conducted an analysis of more than 29 million single family home and condo sales over the past eight years to determine the top days to list your home for sale. The top five days to list your home brought in a 10% premium over market value and are all in either May or June! “Families start their home search when they know their kids will be out of...

Sold for $680,000 Click Here for Details Prime location ready for you to put your stamp on! Ideally located near Microsoft, shopping, easy access to 405 and one block from Rose Hill Middle School. New roof to be installed prior to closing. This home features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms, 1,700 s.f. on a 10,150 s.f. lot. Enter to the formal living room with wood burning fireplace and potential to...

Home values have softened over the last twelve months. We are no longer seeing 6-7% annual appreciation levels for the national housing market. The current numbers are closer to 4%. Some have suggested that year-over-year appreciation levels could fall to 3% or less this year. However, a stronger-than-expected economy and a good spring housing market have changed some opinions. Some analysts are now...

  So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure you make a good offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true! Below are 4 steps provided by Freddie Mac to help buyers make offers, along with some additional...

Some Highlights: An emerging trend for some time now has been the difference between available inventory and demand in the premium and luxury markets and that in the starter and trade-up markets and what those differences are doing to prices! Inventory continues to rise in the luxury and premium home markets which is causing prices to cool. Demand continues to rise with lower-than-normal...

If you are in the market to buy a home this year, you may be confused about how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many people you talk to will tell you that you need to save 20% or you won’t be able to secure a mortgage. The truth is that there are many programs available that let you put down as little as 3%. Those who have served our country could qualify for a...

Sold for $308,000 Click Here for Details Updated townhome in the Sarita Estates community of Lynnwood. The spacious floorplan boasts 1,036 s.f. and features 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and a 1 car garage. Updates include - fresh paint, new carpet, white millwork and doors, new laminate flooring and updated kitchen. Quiet cul-de-sac in close proximity to Boeing and abundant shopping! The open entry...

Recently, we reported that many believe a recession could happen within the next two years. We explained that 70% of economists and market analysts surveyed last year believe that a recession will occur in 2019 or 2020 and that 42% of consumers currently looking to purchase a home also agree that a recession will occur this year or next. However, the U.S. economy has performed well in the first...

Tony Meier and his team did a great job in representing me especially considering I had moved to the other side of the nation. I'm glad to have worked with him and all the support and help he gave during the sale. It made it easy and painless. Michelle Fitzgerald Sold in Bothell April...

KIRKLAND, Washington (May 6, 2019) - Housing activity during April signaled good news for buyers in Western Washington as inventory continued to grow, the rate of price increases was slowing in many areas (and even decreasing in a few counties), and mortgage rates remained low. Northwest Multiple Listing Service statistics for last month show a 28.5 percent overall increase in active listings...

Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice becomes obvious. Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by...

There are many reasons why a homeowner decides to sell their house and move. The latest Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors asked recent home sellers to share their reason for moving. The younger the respondents, the more likely their top response centered around needing a larger home (ages 29 to 53). Relocating for a job was the top reason for those ages 54 to...

Over the last several years, many “baby boomers” have undergone a metamorphosis. Their children have finally moved out and they can now dream about their own future. For many, a change in lifestyle might necessitate a change in the type of home they live in. That two-story, four-bedroom colonial with three bathrooms no longer fits the bill. Taxes are too high. Utilities are too expensive....

Sold for $1,054,000 Click Here for Details Stunning home on a quiet street, conveniently located near Microsoft and shopping. Recently updated and loaded with extras! This flowing floorplan boasts 2,369 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, bonus room and a workout room with a 2 car garage on a lush 12,000 s.f. lot. The open entry welcomes you in with newly refinished oak hardwood floors, soaring...