July 2021

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 me. REGIONAL ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Employment levels in Western...

Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home but wondering if waiting a few years will save you in the long run, think again. The longer the wait, the more you’ll pay, especially when mortgage rates and home prices rise. Even the slightest change in the mortgage rate can have a big impact on your buying power no matter your price point....

Some veterans are finding it difficult to obtain a home in today’s market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Conventional conforming mortgages (mortgages that conform to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), accounted for 74% of mortgages obtained by homebuyers in May 2021, an increase from about 65% during 2018 through 2019…The...

Tony and team demonstrated the best ownership we have experienced in a real estate transaction. End to end, they answered questions and ensured that all parties involved delivered as promised. Even after the sale was completed, Tony and team acted to ensure any issues were 100% resolved. They are thoughtful, diligent, and customer focused. Tony and team will always have my business and referral in the PNW...

With forbearance plans about to come to an end, many are concerned the housing market will experience a wave of foreclosures like what happened after the housing bubble 15 years ago. Here are four reasons why that won’t happen. 1. There are fewer homeowners in trouble this time After the last housing crash, about 9.3 million households lost their home to a foreclosure, short sale, or...

Listed at $1,100,000 Click Here For Full Details Stunning two story home in Hollymor II on English Hill. Ideally located near Downtown Redmond and Woodinville. The light-filled 2,430 s.f. floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 2.25 baths plus den/bonus room on a lush 16,304 s.f. lot! Special features include: updated kitchen & baths, new double pane windows, new hardwood floors & new carpet. Open...

One of the hottest topics of conversation in today’s real estate market is the shortage of available homes. Simply put, there are many more potential buyers than there are homes for sale. As a seller, you’ve likely heard that low supply is good news for you. It means your house will get more attention, and likely, more offers. But as life begins to return to normal, you may be...

As we move into the second half of the year, one thing is clear: the current real estate market is one for the record books. The exact mix of conditions we have today creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a look at four key components that are shaping this unprecedented market. A Shortage of Homes for Sale Earlier this year, the number of homes available for sale fell to an...

Over the past year, many homeowners realized what they need in a home is changing, especially with the rise in remote work. If you’re longing for a dedicated home office or a change in scenery, now may be the time to find the home that addresses your evolving needs. Working from Home Isn’t a Passing Fad Before the pandemic, only 21% of individuals worked from home. However, if...

Listed at $1,050,000 Click Here For Full Details Lovely two story home on cul-de-sac in Coventry on English Hill. Ideally and located near Downtown Redmond and Woodinville. The light filled 2,400 s.f. floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a serene 8,167 s.f. lot! Special features include: triple pane windows, new carpet & luxury vinyl plank floors, sport court and air conditioning. Open...

With home prices continuing to deliver double-digit increases, some are concerned we’re in a housing bubble like the one in 2006. However, a closer look at the market data indicates this is nothing like 2006 for three major reasons. 1. The housing market isn’t driven by risky mortgage loans. Back in 2006, nearly everyone could qualify for a loan. The Mortgage Credit Availability...

In today’s real estate market, mortgage interest rates are near record lows. If you’ve been in your current home for several years and haven’t refinanced lately, there’s a good chance you have a mortgage with an interest rate higher than today’s average. Here are some options you should consider if you want to take advantage of today’s current low rates before they rise. Sell and...

Some Highlights Buyers hoping for more homes to choose from may be in luck as housing inventory begins to rise. Many experts agree – new sellers listing their homes is great news for buyers and the overall market. Although the supply increases are modest, more homes means more options for buyers. A rise in inventory may also help slow the price...

Last week, Fannie Mae released their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). Though the survey showed 77% of respondents believe it’s a “good time to sell,” it also confirms what many are sensing: an increasing number of Americans believe it’s a “bad time to buy” a home. The percentage of those surveyed saying it’s a “bad time to buy” hit 64%, up from 56% last month...

An important factor in today’s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications we may have hit the lowest point we’ll see. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, recently said of our supply challenges: “It looks like inventory may have hit a bottom (we’ve seen this in the...

In real estate, it’s normal to see ebbs and flows in the market. Typically, the summer months are slower-paced than the traditionally busy spring. But this isn’t a typical summer. As the economy rebounds and life is returning to normal, the real estate market is expected to have an unusually strong summer season. Here’s how this summer is stacking up against the norm and what it means for...

This was my second transaction with Tony and his team.  I was delighted that my offer was selected even though it wasn't the highest bid.  Things went very smoothly, I was kept well informed all along the way,  all of my questions were answered and concerns addressed very quickly.  I will definitely use Tony for any future real estate transactions and will gladly recommend him to friends and...

While the housing market forecast for the second half of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are four things to consider if you’re trying to decide if now’s the right time to make a move. 1. Your House Will Likely Sell Quickly According to the most recent Realtors Confidence Index released by the National Association of...

Some Highlights The amount of wealth Americans have stored in their homes has increased astronomically. On average, homeowners gained $33,400 in equity over the last 12 months, and the average equity on mortgaged homes is now $216,000. When it’s time to sell, your home equity can help accomplish your goals. Let’s connect to discuss how you can take...

KIRKLAND, Washington (July 7, 2021) - Homebuyers may find some good news in the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). The number of active listings at the end of June, 6,358, reached the highest level since November when buyers could choose from 6,505 properties. The volume of new listings added last month was the highest number in 17 months (13,111 last month versus 14,689 at...

There’s no denying we’re in a sellers’ market. With low inventory and high buyer demand, homes today are selling above the asking price at a record rate. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): Homes typically sell within 17 days (compared to 26 days one year ago). The average home...

For many young or first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home can feel intimidating. A recent survey shows some homebuyers ages 25 to 40 may be unsure about the homebuying process and what they can afford. It found: “1 in 4 underestimated their buying potential by $150k or more” “1 in 4 underestimated the increase in value by $100k or more” “47% don’t know what a...

Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which in turn has grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are directly linked – as the value of a home increases, so does a homeowner’s equity. And with these recent gains, homeowners are witnessing their financial stability and well-being grow to record levels. In more good news for homeowners, the...

Wishing you a happy and safe Independence...

Speech bubble on yellow background The question of whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop seems to be dominating a lot of conversations – and everyone has an opinion. Yet, when it comes down to it, the opinions that carry the most weight are the ones based on experience and expertise. Here are four expert opinions from professionals and organizations that have devoted their...