November 2020

“Throughout the listing and sales process Tony displayed an impressive knowledge of the real estate market”

Our overall impression of Tony Meier is that he is a very competent, professional real estate agent.  There are several things which lead us to that conclusion. Promptness.  Tony was extremely prompt.  If he said he would be at your at home at “x” time you could almost set your watch to that time. Helpful Advice.  Tony’s advice about installing vinyl plank flooring, what items to leave and...

2020 Recap… Wow! What a roller coaster year!

2020 Recap… Wow! What a roller coaster year! With low interest rates, we ended 2019 in a very strong position. The 4th quarter is statically one of the slower times in the year, but in 2019, the market pace matched its best selling season of Spring, which is highly unusual! Inventory remained low and attractive rates made sales very strong. As a result, 2020 started off like gangbusters....

NWMLS Special News Release – Despite prohibition on open houses, brokers, buyers and sellers employ array of virtual tools to stay safe and fulfill housing needs

KIRKLAND, Washington (November 18, 2020) - Even though in-person open houses are not currently allowed under new and reinstated pandemic-related restrictions, broker-members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) continue to provide services to home buyers and sellers using several contactless and virtual tools. Feedback from NWMLS representatives include reports of sales by purchasers who...

Chances of Another Foreclosure Crisis? “About Zero Percent.”

There seems to be some concern that the 2020 economic downturn will lead to another foreclosure crisis like the one we experienced after the housing crash a little over a decade ago. However, there’s one major difference this time: a robust forbearance program. During the housing crash of 2006-2008, many felt homeowners should be forced to pay their mortgages despite the economic hardships...

Homes for Sale Are Rapidly Disappearing

Through all the challenges of 2020, the real estate market has done very well, and purchasers are continuing to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates. Realtor Magazine just explained: “While winter may be typically a slow season in real estate, economists predict it isn’t likely to happen this year…Low inventories combined with high demand due to record-low...

Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next Move

If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year, and possibly beyond. While the pandemic continues, Americans are re-evaluating their homes,...

Tips to Sell Your House Safely Right Now

Some Highlights Your agent now has over 6 months of experience selling houses during the pandemic and can make the process easier and safer for you today. COVID-19 protocols and technology usage recommendations from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are making it possible to sell houses right now, while agents continue to abide first and foremost by state and local...

“Throughout the entire process of buying a new home and then selling ours we felt like we had experts at our side.”

We were very happy with the service that Tony and Alise provided. In our previous two home purchases we managed the transactions without the help of an agent, however with the volatility of the market, the pandemic, and the dollars involved we didn't want to leave anything to chance. Throughout the entire process of buying a new home and then selling ours we felt like we had experts at our side. Tony's...

“Tony seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to selling houses”

Patti & I believe Tony and his team checked every box of “exceptional service” in selling our home!  From the beginning, Tony walked us through each step of the process. Beginning with setting price expectations, to the 3D virtual walk-through, Tony’s media approach was very professional.  We both were amazed at just how spot on he was the with our timeline.  Tony seems to have a sixth sense...

NWMLS October 2020 Real Estate Market Report – Anxiety among home buyers “incredibly high” as they vie for unpreceded shortage of homes across much of Washington state

  KIRKLAND, Washington (November 5, 2020) – “Finding and buying a home today is more difficult than at any time in the past 40 years of my career,” was how broker Dick Beeson summed up the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.   The Northwest MLS report recapping October activity showed a 40% drop in active listings compared to the same month a year ago, an...

Why the 2021 Forecast Doesn’t Call for a Foreclosure Crisis

As the current forbearance mortgage relief options come to an end, many are wondering if we’ll face a foreclosure crisis next year. This is understandable, especially for those who remember the housing crisis that began in 2008. The reality is, plans have been put in place through forbearance to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. This year, homeowners are able to request 180...

Real Estate Is a Driving Force in the Economy

As the economy recovers from this year’s health crisis, the housing market is playing a leading role in the turnaround. It’s safe to say that what we call “home” is taking on a new meaning, causing many of us to consider buying or selling sooner rather than later. Housing, therefore, has thrived in an otherwise down year. Today’s high buyer demand combined with low housing inventory means...

4 Reasons Why the Election Won’t Dampen the Housing Market

Tomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life in this country, but the residential real estate market will not be one of them. Analysts will try to measure the impact feasible changes in regulations might have on housing, the effect of a possible first-time buyer program, and any number of other situations based...