May 2021

Homes Across the Country Are Selling Fast [INFOGRAPHIC]

  Some Highlights In today’s whirlwind real estate market, houses are selling at astonishing speed – from sea to shining sea. Four years ago, the average house spent 39 days on the market. Two years ago, homes were on the market for about 24 days. Today, that number has dropped to just 17 short days. If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and on the best possible...

How Misunderstandings about Affordability Could Cost You

There’s a lot of discussion about affordability as home prices continue to appreciate rapidly. Even though the most recent index on affordability from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows homes are more affordable today than the historical average, some still have concerns about whether or not it’s truly affordable to buy a home right now. When addressing this topic,...

Buying a Home Is Still Affordable

The last year has put emphasis on the importance of one’s home. As a result, some renters are making the jump into homeownership while some homeowners are re-evaluating their current house and considering a move to one that better fits their current lifestyle. Understanding how housing affordability works and the main market factors that impact it may help those who are ready to buy a home narrow...

“I appreciated Tony’s practical, conservative approach…”

I was really happy with the research Tony had done in advance all the way through the transaction.  I especially appreciated the great communication you guys provided throughout the process. And I appreciated Tony's practical, conservative approach (as opposed to an overly-optimistic approach which might have left me feeling like I didn't get what I was expecting). It was great working with Tony and...

Where Do Experts Say the Housing Market Is Heading?

As we enter the middle of 2021, many are wondering if we’ll see big changes in the housing market during the second half of this year. Here’s a look at what some experts have to say about key factors that will drive the industry and the economy forward in the months to come. realtor.com “. . . homes continue to sell quickly in what’s normally the fastest-moving time of the year. This is in...

3 Things To Prioritize When Selling Your House

Today’s housing market is full of unprecedented opportunities. High buyer demand paired with record-low housing inventory is creating the ultimate sellers’ market, which means it’s a fantastic time to sell your house. However, that doesn’t mean sellers are guaranteed success no matter what. There are still some key things to know so you can avoid costly mistakes and win big when...

Should I Move or Refinance?

The level of equity homeowners have is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Census, over 38% of owner-occupied homes are owned free and clear, meaning they don’t have a mortgage. Those with a mortgage are seeing their equity skyrocket too. Every time real estate values increase, homeowners get a dollar-for-dollar gain in their home equity. According to the...

Sellers Are Ready To Enter the Housing Market

One of the biggest questions in real estate today is, “When will sellers return to the housing market?” An ongoing shortage of home supply has created a hyper-competitive environment for hopeful buyers, leading to the ultimate sellers’ market. However, as the economy continues to improve and more people get vaccinated, more sellers may finally be in sight. The Home Purchase Sentiment...

Don’t Forget to Budget for Closing Costs

When buying a home, it’s important to have a budget and make sure you plan ahead for certain homebuying expenses. Saving for a down payment is the main cost that comes to mind for many, but budgeting for the closing costs required to get a mortgage is just as important. What Are Closing Costs? According to Trulia: “When you close on a home, a number of fees are due. They...

When It Comes To Selling a House, Your Time Is Money [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights Selling a house is no small task. If you decide to try to do it on your own, keep in mind you’ll be responsible for all the expert-level work of a real estate professional. The vital tasks an agent manages for you include listing and marketing your house, handling legal documentation, negotiating with all parties, and navigating local laws and regulations. If you’re...

Sold 13% Above List Price With 4 Offers! Inviting 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath + Bonus Room Townhome at The Enclave Community in Kirkland

Listed at $985,000 Click Here For Full Details Ideally located detached end unit townhome in the quiet community of The Enclave in Kirkland. The spacious floorplan boasts 2,603 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, bonus room and 2 car garage on a secluded dead end street. Recent updates include: New interior paint, new carpet and refinished hardwood floors. Generous covered front porch welcomes...

Your House Could Be the Oasis in an Inventory Desert

Homebuyers are flooding the housing market right now to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates. Many have a sense of urgency to find a home soon since experts forecast a steady rise in both rates and home prices this year and next. As a result, buyer demand greatly outweighs the current housing supply. Here’s how the shortage of houses for sale sets yours up to be...

Sold 37% Above List Price With 9 Offers! Great 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home with Den on Shy Acre Lot on English Hill in Redmond

Listed at $995,000 Click Here For Full Details Charming two story home in Mount Clare Estates on English Hill. Ideally located near Downtown Redmond and Woodinville. The light filled 2,230 s.f. floorplan features 3 bedrooms, 2.25 baths plus den on a lush 37,345 s.f. lot! Special features include: custom plantation  shutters and updated bathrooms. Open entry with hardwood flooring and coat...

It’s Not Too Late To Apply For Forbearance

Over the past year, the pandemic made it challenging for some homeowners to make their mortgage payments. Thankfully, the government initiated a forbearance program to provide much-needed support. Unless they’re extended once again, some of these plans and the corresponding mortgage payment deferral options will expire soon. That said, there’s still time to request assistance. If your...

3 Graphs Showing Why You Should Sell Your House Now

There’s no doubt that 2021 is the year of the seller when it comes to the housing market. If you’re a homeowner thinking of moving to better suit your changing needs, now is the perfect time to do so. Low mortgage rates are in your favor when you’re ready to purchase your dream home, and high buyer demand may give you the leverage you need to negotiate the best...

“It’s a total white glove experience from beginning to end…”

The experience and the service were absolutely top notch. For us, it was super critical to hear that we needed to upgrade our guest bathroom and the money spent was going to be recouped easily. Along with that, the letter for things you will do, plan to do and would negotiate on was a bit of a pain, but totally worth it I think. Timely communication is a huge priority for us and Tony is on top of that...

The Power of Mortgage Pre-Approval [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights  Mortgage pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and, based on factors like your income, debt, and credit history, determined how much you’re qualified to borrow. Being pre-approved for a loan can give you clarity while planning your homebuying budget, confidence in your ability to secure a loan, and a competitive edge in a bidding war. In today’s...

Brokers Detect Good News For Home Buyers, Citing Gains in Listings and Moderating Prices

KIRKLAND, Washington (May 5, 2021) - Finally, some good news for home buyers! Sizeable increases in new listings compared to a year ago and reports of moderating prices "might mean we are seeing some relief for buyers," suggested John Deely, a board member at Northwest Multiple Listing Service. In commenting on the latest statistics from Northwest MLS summarizing April activity, Deely said the market...

Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You a Small Fortune

Many people are sitting on the fence trying to decide if now’s the time to buy a home. Some are renters who have a strong desire to become homeowners but are unsure if buying right now makes sense. Others may be homeowners who are realizing that their current home no longer fits their changing needs. To determine if they should buy now or wait another year, they both need to ask two simple...

Sold 35% Above List Price With 9 Offers! Inviting 4 Bedroom, 3.25 Bath Home with Dual Master Suites on a Serene 12,161 sf. Yard in Redmond

Listed at $1,100,000 Click Here For Full Details Wonderful two story home with dual master suites in Olde Morrison Place on English Hill. Ideally located near Downtown Redmond and Woodinville. The light filled 3,110 s.f. floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 3.25 baths on a lush 12,161 s.f. lot! Open entry with high ceiling, skylights, easy care laminate flooring and coat closet. Formal living features...

Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year?

So far this year, mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, encouraging many hopeful homebuyers to enter the housing market. However, there’s a good chance rates will increase later this year and going into 2022, ultimately making it more expensive to borrow money for a home loan. Here’s a look at what several experts have to say. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, realtor.com: “Our...

Sold 13% Above List Price With 4 Offers! Beautiful Buchan Resale in Coveted Neighborhood of Langtree Estates in Redmond

Listed at $1,475,000 Click Here For Full Details Elegant and captivating, John Buchan resale in the coveted neighborhood of Langtree Estates on English Hill. The light filled 3,580 s.f. floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 3.25 baths, den and bonus room on a lush, flat 24,739 s.f. lot. Special features include: Remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, white millwork and a fabulous covered outdoor entertainment...

4 Big Incentives for Homeowners to Sell Now

The housing market keeps sailing along. The only headwind that could take it off course is the lack of inventory for sale. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that there were 410,000 fewer single-family homes for sale this March than in March of 2020. The key to continued success in the residential housing market is for more listings to come on the market. However,...

Americans Find the Nonfinancial Benefits of Homeownership Most Valuable

Homeownership is a foundational part of the American Dream. As we look back on more than a year of sheltering in our homes, having a place of our own is more important than ever. While financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, today, homeowners rank the nonfinancial and personal benefits with even higher value. Recently, two national surveys revealed the reasons...