October 2019

How to Determine If You Can Afford to Buy a Home

The gap between the increase in personal income and residential real estate prices has been used to defend the concept that we are experiencing an affordability crisis in housing today. It is true that home prices and wages are two key elements in any affordability equation. There is, however, an extremely important third component to that equation: mortgage interest rates. Mortgage interest...

“FIRST, let me be clear in saying that Carol and I were EXTREMELY satisfied with every aspect of our association with you and your team!”

FIRST, let me be clear in saying that Carol and I were EXTREMELY satisfied with every aspect of our association with you and your team!  We would be hard pressed to think of something we would ask you to change! Having lived in English Hill since 1986, I was quite familiar with the Tony Meier name and reputation of being the ‘expert’ regarding home sales and purchases within the community. ...

“Even though our old house was a difficult one to sell because of its unique floorplan, it sold just two weeks after it went on the market thanks to your marketing efforts.”

We appreciated you explaining the market to us so we wouldn't have unrealistic expectations about selling our house that time of year.  You also checked in with us frequently to see how things were going not only with the house we were selling but also with the one we were buying.  Your suggestion of submitting a backup offer is what got us the new house. Even though our old house was a difficult one...

“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience from start to finish!”

My family and I engaged Tony based on a recommendation from another family member.  We couldn't have been more pleased with the experience from start to finish!  Tony was fully engaged and supremely patient despite our decision to shift from looking at charming Craftsmen homes to realizing a modern PNW build was a better fit.  He offered his insight into the pros and cons of each property without trying...

Think Prices Have Skyrocketed? Look at Rents.

Much has been written about how residential real estate values have increased since the housing market started its recovery in 2012. However, little has been shared about what has taken place with residential rental prices. Let’s shed a little light on this subject. In the most recent Apartment Rent Report, RentCafe explains how rents have continued to increase over the last twelve months...

“We are very satisfied with your knowledge and experience Tony.”

We are very satisfied with your knowledge and experience Tony. To be frank, you were the one who made us recognize the real value of our property in current market conditions. The same was validated by the Bank when the external valuation of the property also came higher than the listed price. At all stages, you had a very special suggestions that helped us e.g. Transferring the utilities even...

5 Reasons to Consider Living in a Multigenerational Home

Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans currently live in a multigenerational household? According to Generations United, the number of multigenerational households rose from 42.4 million in 2000 to 64 million in 2016. The 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors shows that 12% of all buyers have a multigenerational household. Why Are Many Americans...

The Gardner Report: Western Washington Economic and Real Estate Report – 3rd Quarter 2019

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 your Windermere agent. ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Washington State...

5 Tips for Starting Your Home Search

In today’s 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. Here are five tips from realtor.com’s article, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind.” 1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search One way to show you’re serious about buying...

3 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Pro in a Complex Digital World

If you’re searching for a home online, you’re not alone; lots of people are doing it. The question is, are you using all of your available resources, and are you using them wisely? Here’s why the Internet is a great place to start the home-buying process, and the truth on why it should never be your only go-to resource when it comes to making such an important decision. According to...

Homes Are Selling Quickly

Some Highlights: The National Association of REALTORS® surveyed their members for the release of their Confidence Index. The REALTORS® Confidence Index is a key indicator of housing market strength based on a monthly survey sent to over 50,000 real estate practitioners. Practitioners are asked about their expectations for home sales, prices, and market conditions. Homes across the...

3 Reasons This is NOT the 2008 Real Estate Market

No one knows for sure when the next recession will occur. What is known, however, is that the upcoming economic slowdown will not be caused by a housing market crash, as was the case in 2008. There are those who disagree and are comparing today’s real estate market to the market in 2005-2006, which preceded the crash. In many ways, however, the market is very different now. Here are three...

You Need More Than a Guide. You Need a Sherpa.

In a normal housing market, whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need an experienced guide to help you navigate the process. You need someone you can turn to who will tell you how to price your home correctly right from the start. You need someone who can help you determine what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller with a low-ball offer. We are,...

What FICO® Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?

While a recent announcement from CNBC shares that the average national FICO® score has reached an all-time high of 706, the good news for potential buyers is that you don’t need a score that high to qualify for a mortgage. Let’s unpack the credit score myth so you can to become a homeowner sooner than you may think. With today’s low interest rates, many believe now is a great time to buy...

NWMLS September 2019 Real Estate Market Report – NWMLS Brokers Say Transition to Fall Creating Opportunities for Buyers

  KIRKLAND, Washington (October 7, 2019) - Northwest Multiple Listing Service brokers reported year-over-year gains in pending sales, closed sales and prices, but its report summarizing September activity also showed an 18% drop in inventory compared to a year ago. "The transition into the fall housing market creates opportunities for homebuyers," suggested J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO...

4 Tips to Improve Your Home and Save on Your Energy Bill

As a homeowner, it’s important to keep your home running efficiently, not only to save money, but also to help the environment thrive. October 2nd is Energy Efficiency Day, a perfect time to think about making some key upgrades that will improve the efficiency of your home. If you’re looking to sell your house and increase the pool of potential buyers in your market, the upgrades below are truly...