January 2021

The Gardner Report: Western Washington Economic and Real Estate Report – 4th Quarter 2020

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. REGIONAL ECONOMIC OVERVIEW After the...

What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?

According to the latest report from Black Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s where these homeowners stand right now: 2,543,000 (39%) are current on their payments and have left the program...

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home...

Why Moving May Be Just the Boost You Need

As we look back over the past year, we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census Bureau reported an increase in the percentage of adults with symptoms of...

NWMLS Year End Market Recap – Northwest MLS brokers tally more than $56 billion in home sales during 2020

KIRKLAND, Washington. (January 19, 2021) - Northwest Multiple Listing Service member-brokers reported 95,760 closed sales during 2020 valued at more than $56 billion. Both the number of transactions and dollar value eclipsed the totals for 2019. Last year's sales of residential (single family) homes and condominiums outgained 2019 by 3,257 transactions for a 3.5% increase. Of the total completed...

Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting One

If spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you’re not alone. You may be wondering, however, if the dollars and cents add up in your favor as home prices continue to rise. According to the experts, in many cases, it’s still more affordable to buy a home than rent one. Here’s why. ATTOM...

How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land,...

“We could not have been more pleased with the outcome and attribute that success to Tony’s expert knowledge of the market.”

When it came time to list our home on English Hill, we felt confident that Tony was the clear choice to represent us. After living in our home for 35 years there were many unknowns that Tony patiently provided sound advice on prioritizing areas to address that would make our house even more appealing to buyers. He was 100% correct and the proof was we received multiple offers the very first day of listing...

Sold 31% Over List Price with 20 Offers! Lovely Remodeled 4 Bedroom + Den with Large Yard on English Hill in Redmond

Sold for $1,300,000 Click Here For Full Details Completely updated two story home in Sheffield on English Hill. The light filled 2,580 s.f. floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 2.25 baths and a den on a private 8,607 s.f. lot! Recent updates include: White millwork & doors, interior paint, vinyl windows, new deck, central A/C, hi-tech upgrades, updated kitchen and all baths! Formal living with...

NWMLS Special News Release – “Extraordinary market conditions” sustain strong home sales around Washington state during holidays

KIRKLAND, Washington (January 6, 2021) – “Insatiable buyer demand” is keeping inventory scarce as house hunters try to outmaneuver and outbid each other, according to reports from Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). Its statistical summary for December showed strong activity throughout the holiday season with double-digit increases in new listings, pending sales, closed sales, and...

“We would highly recommend him to any of our closest families and friends.”

Working with Tony has been a great experience through and through. From the first call months before getting into the serious house search until the day after we moved in, he's been nothing but available and helpful. He was really confidence inspiring in a scary market for buyers, especially as a first time home buyer. We would highly recommend him to any of our closest families and friends. Lucas and...

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House This Year

It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them. When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly...

“Your team and you are a well oiled machine with every detail covered.”

Tony, thank you so the professional service and eye to detail, you made the process of moving states much easier for us. We couldn’t have asked for a smoother process. Your team and you are a well oiled machine with every detail covered. We not only got above our asking price, we got to choose the buyers who would love and live in our home, again we could not have asked for a more ideal...