In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the amount of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search. Even if you are in a market that is not...

It appears that Americans are regaining faith in the U.S. economy. The following indexes have each shown a dramatic jump in consumer confidence in their latest surveys: The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index National Federation of Independent Businesses' Small Business Optimism Index CNBC All-America Economic Survey The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey It...

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to do it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional! You Need an Expert Guide if You Are Traveling a Dangerous Path The field of real estate is loaded with land mines; you need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous...

We were blessed to be involved in 51 transactions in 2016, helping individuals and families buy or sell homes across the Eastside, in Seattle and North/South from there. Here is what our clients told us was important in their decision to use our services. Experience - 28 years of full-time experience and transaction knowledge spanning well over 1000 homes closed. This gave our clients the assurance...

Last week, CNBC ran an article quoting self-made millionaire David Bach explaining that not purchasing a home is "the single biggest mistake millennials are making"because buying real estate is "an escalator to wealth.” Bach went on to explain: "If millennials don't buy a home, their chances of actually having any wealth in this country are little to none. The average homeowner to this day is 38...

The National Association of Realtors’ most recent Existing Home Sales Report revealed that, compared to last year, home sales are up dramatically in five of the six price ranges they measure. Homes priced between $100-250K showed a 20.7% increase year-over-year. This is an impressive increase, showing that November was an excellent month for home sales in this price...

The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR)revealed a direct correlation between a lack of inventory and rising prices. We are all familiar with the concept of supply and demand. As the demand for an item increases the supply of that same item goes down, driving prices up. Year-over-year inventory levels have dropped each of the last 18 months, as...

As we are about to bring in the New Year, families across the country will be deciding if this is the year that they will sell their current house and move into their dream home. Many will decide that it is smarter to wait until the spring “buyer’s market” to list their house. In the past, that might have made sense. However, this winter is not like recent years. The recent jump in mortgage...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Jan. 5, 2017) - Like many other months of 2016, December was frustrating for buyers across Washington state as they encountered depleted inventory and rising prices. Post-election hikes in interest rates - with more on the horizon -- added to would-be homeowners' worries. Northwest Multiple Listing Service statistics for December show year-over-year drops in new listings, but...

When it comes to buying a home, whether you are a rookie homebuyer or have gone through the process many times, having a local real estate expert who is well versed in the neighborhood you are looking to move into, as well as the trends of that area, should be your goal. One great example of an agent who is in your corner and is always looking out for your best interests is one of the main...

Earlier this year we had to sell my brothers’ home and move him to an assisted living facility.  We were very fortunate that my brother remembered the name Tony Meier.  He was a neighbor of my brothers’ and was employed by Windermere Real Estate. From our first meeting with Tony we were impressed with his professionalism and knowledge.  He took time to explain the real estate...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Dec. 5, 2016) - Pending sales of homes hit an all-time high for the month of November according to the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The report covering 23 counties around Washington state also shows the number of new listings added during the month plunged to the lowest level in 11 months, prompting MLS leaders to predict a busy winter for residential...

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey; you need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO. The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but rather have been...

As the temperature in many areas of the country starts to cool down, you might think that the housing market will do the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are 4 reasons you should consider buying your dream home this winter instead of waiting for spring! 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the...

Mortgage interest rates, as reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the last several weeks. Along with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors are all calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters. This has caused some purchasers to lament the fact they may no longer be...

People across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year. It happens every fall; we ponder whether we should relocate to a different part of the country to find better year-round weather, or perhaps move across the state for better job opportunities. Homeowners in this situation must consider whether they should sell their house now or wait. If you are one of...

If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don’t overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed “7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation,” in which they warned: “Dated kitchens—just like bathrooms—are a major barrier for resale. Buyers want modern amenities and styling, and most aren’t interested in renovating...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Nov. 4, 2016) – Home sales around Western Washington outgained new listings again in October, fueling competition for scarce inventory and pushing prices higher. Some seasonal slowdown is still expected – and the Nov. 8 elections may be in play as well, according to brokers at Northwest Multiple Listing Service who commented on last month’s activity. MLS members reported...

Deciding to sell a home can be stressful and then finding the right agent to guide you through the process can be equally as stressful. Tony came recommended to us by close friends who had just sold their property through Tony. The first time Tony came to our home he was completely prepared with a comprehensive portfolio of homes and properties both listed and sold in our area. He gave us a full...

  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. ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Annual employment growth in Washington...

CoreLogic released their most current Home Price Index last week. In the report, they revealed home appreciation in three categories: percentage appreciation over the last year, over the last month and projected over the next twelve months. Here are state maps for each category: The Past – home appreciation over the last 12 months   The Present – home appreciation over the last...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Oct. 5, 2016) - It's still a seller's market, but some leaders from Northwest Multiple Listing Service think the imbalance may be easing in some areas, pointing to a slower pace of sales and moderating prices. Others aren't convinced, citing mixed indicators. Northwest MLS statistics summarizing September activity show year-over-year gains in the volumes of new listings (up...

According to the latest Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index, the U.S. housing market has continued to move deeper into buy territory, supporting the belief that housing markets across the country remain a sound investment. The BH&J Index is a quarterly report that attempts to answer the question: In today’s housing market, is it better to rent or buy a home? The...

The National Association of Realtors, The Mortgage Bankers’ Association, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are all projecting that home sales will increase in 2017. Here is a chart showing what each entity is projecting in sales for this year and the next. As we can see, each is projecting sizable increases in home sales next year. If you have considered selling your house recently, now may be the...

It’s that time of year; the seasons are changing and with them come thoughts of the upcoming holidays, family get-togethers, and planning for a new year. Those who are on the fence about whether or not now is the right time to buy don’t have to look much further to find four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home...

The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, as well as the market demand. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) surveys “over 50,000 real estate practitioners about their expectations for home sales, prices and market conditions” for their monthly REALTORS Confidence Index. Their latest edition sheds some light on the relationship between Seller Traffic (supply) and...

Listed at $650,000 Complete details here. Completely renovated home in the desirable neighborhood of Coventry on English Hill. The open floorplan boasts 2,140 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a lush lot. The list of recent and extensive updates include: Outside - high quality roof, updated windows and landscaping. Inside - rich hardwood floors, white millwork and doors, wrought iron stair...

Listed at $600,000 Complete details here Wonderful tri-level home on a quiet street in Rosewood on English Hill. The open floorplan boasts 1,890 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.75 baths on an expansive lot. The list of recent updates include: Outside - freshly painted exterior. Inside - completely updated kitchen and lower bath. The spacious formal living room has a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and...

Listed for $625,000 Complete details here This Burnstead resale has been recently updated and located in the desirable neighborhood of Amberley on English Hill. The open floorplan boasts 1,970 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.25 baths on a lush lot. The list of recent updates include: Outside - high quality roof, extensive stamped concrete & updated windows. Inside - rich hardwood floors,...

Tony did an excellent job in marketing our home. The professional video home tour, photos, and brochures drew the attention of many potential buyers, resulting in 9 offers on our home, and a sale well above our asking price. Specializing in the English Hill neighborhood, Tony is quite knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to deal with! I highly recommend Tony as your real estate expert. Todd...

There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either yours or your landlord’s. As The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: “Households must consume housing whether they own or rent....

There are some industry pundits claiming that residential home values have risen too quickly and that current levels are on the verge of another housing bubble. It is easy to see how this thinking has taken form if we look at a graph of home prices from 2000 to today. The graph definitely looks like a rollercoaster ride. And, as prices begin to reach 2006 levels again, it “seems logical”...

School is back in session, the holidays are right around the corner, you might not think that now is the best time to sell your house. But with inventory below historic numbers and demand still strong, you could be missing out on a great opportunity for your family. Here are five reasons why you should consider selling your house this fall:  1. Demand Is Strong The latest Realtors’ Confidence...

Listed at $1,100,000 Complete details here: This custom built home has been completely remodeled and is located on a private 34,999 s.f. lot. Ideally positioned in the easily accessible Bristol View Neighborhood of Redmond, the home features 4 bedrooms, 5 separate bathrooms, den, bonus, rec. room, craft room, 4,950 s.f. and a park-like lot. Wonderful home for entertainment with cozy spaces in a...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Sept. 7, 2016) - Home sales in Western Washington continued to outpace year-ago activity, but member-brokers at Northwest Multiple Listing Service say persistent inventory shortages are constraining activity. Despite a sparse selection in many areas, an expected summer slowdown, and "appraisal conundrums," Northwest MLS members notched 11,898 pending sales during August,...

Listed at $595,000 Beautifully maintained and updated two story home in the desirable Upper Preston area of Issaquah. The great room style floorplan boasts 1,780 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms and 1.75 baths. The home is ideally positioned on a 71,002 s.f. lot with lush trees and 150 feet of frontage on the Raging River. Recent updates include - new wood floors, updated kitchen and baths. The great...

Tony recently helped us sell our Woodinville area home, and we have been impressed with his service throughout the entire process. We had been in our house for over 20 years, and decided to down-size. A friend recommended Tony to us, and we’re very happy that he did. Rather than write a long run-on paragraph, I’m going to just provide a list of points that stood out as positives during a time...

KIRKLAND, Washington (Aug.4, 2016) - Home prices are still rising but the supply of homes is improving, prompting brokers to suggest some relief is in sight for would-be buyers. "We might actually be starting to move very slowly back toward a more balanced market," said OB Jacobi, president of Windermere Real Estate, in commenting on July's figures from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The MLS...

According to a Merrill Lynch study, “an estimated 4.2 million retirees moved into a new home last year alone.” Two-thirds of retirees say that they are likely to move at least once during retirement. As one participant in the study stated: “In retirement, you have the chance to live anywhere you want. Or you can just stay where you are. There hasn’t been another time in life when we’ve...

Some Highlights: The Cost of Waiting to Buy is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices & interest rates were to increase over a period of time. Freddie Mac predicts interest rates to rise to 4.6% by next year. CoreLogic predicts home prices to appreciate by 5.3% over the next 12 months. If you are ready and willing to buy your dream home, find out if you...

If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market. Answering the following 3 questions will help you determine if now is actually a good time for you to buy in today’s market. 1. Why am...

  Some Highlights: Interest Rates are still below historic numbers. 88% of property managers raised their rent in the last 12 months! Credit score requirements to be approved for a mortgage continue to...

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released by the Labor Department last week. An analysis by Market Watch revealed the cost of rent was 3.8% higher than a year ago for the second straight month in June. That’s the strongest yearly price gain since 2007. This coincides with a report released earlier this month in which AxioMetrics announced that rents are continuing to increase in 2016. The...

Listed for $1,200,000 This custom built home is located on a private 51,836 s.f. lot. Ideally positioned in the highly desirable neighborhood of Deer Run Estates of Woodinville, the home features 4 bedrooms, 4 separate baths, den, bonus, rec. room, 5,120 s.f. and a park-like lot. Wonderful home for entertainment with cozy spaces in a flowing layout. Craftsmanship and livability shows throughout with...

Listed for $400,000 Well cared for and updated craftsman style home. The light filled floorplan features 1,620 s.f., 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, plus family room, den and bonus room on a private 7,520 s.f. lot. Recent updates include vinyl windows, neutral paint, white millwork, refinished hardwood floors, updated kitchen and bath. Inviting living room with rich hardwood floors and big windows overlooking...

I want to thank you for coming through for us once again. We knew trusting you a second time,  to sell a house for us was the right decision.  Your knowledge of the industry and your going beyond the call of duty, proved you are still..... The hardest workin' man in real estate. Thank you, thank you! Your friends, Kim and Dan McCall - Sold in Redmond -...

June 26th, 2016 Working with Tony was a pleasure from the start. We were referred to Tony and his team by a good friend who had a very positive experience in selling their house in Bothell area. Since we had moved out of Bothell, a few years ago, my property was under rent and managed by my Property Manager. Tony presented his case very well and in spite of existing relationship with my Property...

We were pleased with your service, especially with the following: *Highly responsive to frequent questions we made. *Professionally managed the selling process with detailed statistics and trends on the weekly market change, which helped a lot in making quick and rational decisions on price adjustments and other steps to increase the house attractiveness. *Open to our requests such as holding an "open...

Our experience with Tony Meier as our real estate agent was extraordinary. our first meeting to our last, Tony epitomized professionalism, character and honest straight talk. carefully laid out marketing strategy for our home was executed with precision and creativity.I had family members from the Midwest who were selling their home at the same time as we were and they couldn’t believe our realtor...

Listed at $825,000 Complete details here Beautifully maintained and updated home in the desirable neighborhood of Sheffield on English Hill. The gracious floorplan boasts 2,540 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The home is ideally positioned on a 45,089 s.f. lot at the back of a cul-de-sac! The list of extensive updates includes remodeled kitchen & baths, refinished hardwoods and new carpet!...

Listed at $475,000 Complete details here Fabulous home in desirable Foxwood Meadows Neighborhood in Bothell. The home is 2,454 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus den in an ideal location. Rich hardwoods welcome you in along with designer touches throughout the home! The formal living room has a vaulted ceiling, chair rail and large windows overlooking the front gardens. The dining room...

We would not hesitate to recommend Tony Meier for someone’s real estate needs. He was respectful, informative and considerate in leading us through the process of selling our home. We appreciated his personal attention to our own needs, as well as directing us towards making sound decisions in closing the sale John & Christine Groen - Sold in Redmond -...

  There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are too young. And still others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage. We want to share what the typical...

Initially, we selected Tony Meier as our listing agent for our English Hill home because he had positioned himself as a specialist in the English Hill area through his website and marketing materials. After working with him, we feel that he would be the right agent to hire in any neighborhood in any market!  We sold our home in 5 days in a soft market. Tony has created a very effective formula for...

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Tony Meier. We used Tony to sell our house in Mount Claire Estates and purchase our current house. Tony has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. He is definitely a leader in the real estate field. We found that he was very knowledgeable on current market conditions and was able to market our home at a difficult time in a...

This was our first experience working with Tony!  We were looking to buy exclusivelythe English Hill area, and knew Tony was very knowledgeable about the neighborhood. Tony was a joy to work with. In all transactionshe was organized, thorough, and friendly. He was very hands off as we toured houses, allowing us to make our own decision aboutproperty, which we really appreciated.  In the past...

We recently contracted Tony to sell our house and help us locate a new property for purchase. the first conversation with Tony I made a light hearted comment that we wanted what I’m sure most people want when they are selling a home and that is to sell fast and sell high.Well, we sold our house in 10 days for a great price and in a buyers market! Tony is a solid Real Estate professional with over 20...

In their current edition of the Home Price Expectation Survey released last week, Pulsenomics asked this question of the 100+ economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists they surveyed: “In your opinion, what is the primary driver of recent home value growth in the U.S.?” Here are the top four reasons given by those surveyed: As we have stated before, the current...

Some Highlights: Real estate outranks stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, and bonds as the best long-term investment among Americans. Real estate is ranked as the best long-term investment among all age groups. Millennials rank both real estate and savings/CDs at 26% when it comes to the best long-term...

With home prices expected to appreciate by over 5% this year, some are beginning to worry about a new housing bubble forming. Warren Buffet addressed this issue last week in an article by Fortune Magazine. He simply explained: “I don’t see a nationwide bubble in real estate right now at all.” Later, when questioned whether real estate and/or mortgaging could present the same challenges for the...

KIRKLAND, Washington (June 6, 2016) - Just as expected, the month of May had an uptick in new listings (12,272), but just as many buyers (12,275) made offers on homes during the month to keep inventory depleted, according to the latest figures from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. "Inventory is being squeezed from all directions," reported Frank Wilson, branch managing broker at John L. Scott in...

In CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, they revealed home appreciation in three categories: percentage appreciation over the last year, over the last month, and projected appreciation over the next twelve months. Here are state maps for each category: The Past – home appreciation over the last 12 months The Present – home appreciation over the last month The Future – home...

We wanted to thank you again for all your help with the sale of our home.  Your time and commitment to us was amazing.  Thanks for giving us the time and attention to help us with every question, every phone call and every meeting. Your state-or-the-art marketing covered every base. Our home was presented in every market and we couldn't have asked for more exposure.  There was never a question whether...

Listed at $525,000 Complete details here Well cared and updated tri-level home. The light filled floorplan features 1,920 s.f., 3 bedrooms, 2.25 baths on a quiet 15,295 s.f. lot with territorial views! Recent updates included vinyl windows, neutral paint, white millwork, new carpet in the family room and completely remodeled baths. Formal living room with brick fireplace & big windows...

Listed at $1,180,000 Complete details here This custom built home was completely remodeled since 2013 and is located on a private 42,907 s.f. lot. Ideally positioned in the easily accessible English Hill area of Redmond, the home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den, bonus, 3,940 s.f. and a park-like lot. Wonderful home for entertainment with cozy spaces in a flowing layout. Craftsmanship shows...

I recently sold my home and Tony was extremely helpful every step of the way.From the initial consultation through closing he was always explaining the selling process and providing detailed analysis of market conditions.He created a very impressive web page just for my home and kept me updated throughout about status, feedback from buyers’ agents, etc.He was and still is to answer my questions and...

Listed for $600,000 Full details and HD video at the property website Fabulous home in desirable area of Kenmore. The home is 2,570 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.75 baths with easy access to Seattle or the Eastside. Gleaming hardwoods, high ceilings and elegant colors give this home a welcoming feel. Great room style main floor for casual living. The spacious living room has a gas fireplace and...

Listed for $570,000 Complete details here Well cared for and updated mid-entry home in Sunrise on English Hill. The light filled floorplan features 2,160 s.f., 3 bedrooms, 2.75 baths on a sunny 7,755 s.f. lot! Recent updates included windows, elegant wood floors, white millwork and doors, remodeled kitchen and baths. Formal living room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace & big windows...

Every four years people question what effect the Presidential election might have on the national housing market. Let’s take a look at what is currently taking place. The New York Times ran an article earlier this week where they explained: “A growing body of research shows that during presidential election years — particularly ones like this when there is such uncertainty about the nation’s...

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the size of the foreclosure inventory in the nation. There has been some speculation that distressed property inventories are about to skyrocket. Today, we want to reveal what is actually taking place in this segment of the housing market. CoreLogic, in their most recent National Foreclosure Report, reported that foreclosure inventory has decreased by...

A study by Edelman Berland reveals that 33% of homeowners who are contemplating selling their house in the near future are planning to scale down. Let’s look at a few reasons why this might make sense for many homeowners, as the majority of the country is currently experiencing a seller’s market. In a recent blog, Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, highlighted the advantages of selling...

The latest report from Freddie Mac shows that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.61% last week, slightly down from the week before (3.66%), and nearly 20 points lower than a year ago (3.80%). This is great news for homebuyers who are dealing with rising prices due to a low inventory of homes for sale in many areas of the country. Freddie Mac expressed their optimism for the rates to remain...

With the overall economy just inching along, some experts are questioning whether the housing market can continue its momentum throughout the rest of the year. People are beginning to ask questions such as: *Will disappointing economic news adversely impact housing? *Is affordability a major concern in today’s real estate market? *Are we approaching a new housing bubble? *Are mortgage standards...

The National Association of Realtors’ most recent Existing Home Sales Report revealed that home sales were up rather dramatically over last year in five of the six price ranges they measure. Only those homes priced under $100,000 showed a decline (-4.6%). The decline in this price range points to the lower inventory of distressed properties available for sale and speaks to the strength of the...

Listed for $575,000 Complete details at the property website here Fabulous home in desirable Bridlewood Community in South Bothell. The home is 2,130 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in an ideal cul-de-sac location. Rich hardwoods welcome you in along with new carpeting throughout the home! The formal living room has a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and large windows overlooking the front...

Listed at $475,000 Complete details at the property website. Beautifully maintained and updated two story home in the desirable Bear Creek area of Woodinville. The open floorplan boasts 2,008 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The home is ideally positioned on a flat 37,263 s.f. lot with lush trees and a seasonal stream. Recent updates include - high quality roof, new carpet, flooring and an...

The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, and the market demand. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their latest Existing Home Sales Report which gives insight into today’s market conditions. Inventory Levels & Demand Sales of existing homes rose 5.1% month-over-month in March and are 1.5% higher than this time last year. Sales rose in all four...

KIRKLAND, Washington (May 5, 2016) - Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported strong gains in the volume of new listings its members added during April (up 13.6 percent from March), but inventory remained well below the supply needed for a more balanced market. MLS leaders say the lopsided market is prompting some anxious buyers to take ill-advised risks. Prices showed some signs of moderating...

Starting Price $550,000 Complete details here Wonderful home on a quiet cul-de-sac in the College Hill neighborhood. The open floorplan boasts a total of 2,820 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms and 2.75 baths with a huge family room and additional craft space, which is ready for your imagination! On the main floor: Spacious living room with hardwood floors, fireplace and big windows overlooking the...

With Tony as our guide the home selling and purchase process we experienced clean, crisp, expedient and patient counsel for each and every question that arose along the way. His expert advice and network of resources for preparation, staging and marketing of our property led to a rapid sale with no hassle. Throughout our purchase experience he greatly simplified the maze of writing up the offer, home...

A survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The study pointed out two major misconceptions that we want to address today.  1. Down Payment The survey revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the report,...

In today’s market, where demand is outpacing supply in many regions of the country, pricing a house is one of the biggest challenges real estate professionals face. Sellers often want to price their home higher than recommended, and many agents go along with the idea to keep their clients happy. However, the best agents realize that telling the homeowner the truth is more important than getting the...

Home values continue to climb and are projected to increase by about 5% over the next twelve months. That is great news for anyone who owns a home. However, it could present a challenge for a family trying to sell their house. If prices are surging, it is difficult for appraisers to find adequate, comparable sales (similar houses in the neighborhood that closed recently) to defend the sales price...

The housing market is really heating up and buyer demand is dramatically increasing as we enter the spring season. However, one challenge to the current market is a major shortage of inventory. Below are a few comments made in the last month by industry experts. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of NAR “Looking ahead, the key for sustained momentum and more sales than last spring is a continuous stream...

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 5% less expensive in Orange County (CA) all the way up to 46% in Houston (TX), and 36% Nationwide! Other interesting...

If you thought about selling your house this year, now may be the time to do it. The inventory of homes for sale is well below historic norms and buyer demand is skyrocketing. We were still in high school when we learned the concept of supply and demand: the best time to sell something is when supply of that item is low and demand for that item is high. That defines today’s real estate...

This Burnstead resale has been recently updated and located in the desirable neighborhood of Amberley on English Hill. The open floorplan boasts 2,080 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a lush lot. The list of recent and extensive updates include: Outside - high quality roof & updated windows. Inside - rich hardwood floors, new carpet, updated kitchen and remodeled baths! The spacious...

In a study conducted by Builder.com, researchers determined that nationwide, it would take “nearly eight years” for a first-time buyer to save enough for a down payment on their dream home. Depending on where you live, median rents, incomes and home prices all vary. By determining the percentage of income a renter spends on housing in each state, and the amount needed for a 10% down payment,...

Some Highlights: 24% of all recent home buyers were single at the time of purchase. 47% of single men cite the desire to own a home of their own as the primary reason to buy. 18% of first-time buyers were single...

How Housing Matters is a joint project of the Urban Land Institute and the MacArthur Foundation. It is “an online resource for the most rigorous research and practical information on how a quality, stable, affordable home in a vibrant community contributes to individual and community success”. A recent story they published, The First Rung on the Ladder to Economic Opportunity Is Housing,...

Selling a home is as stressful and hectic a time as you can ask for, but thanks to Tony, the sale of our home went more smoothly than we could have imagined! Tony's knowledge, demeanor and communication kept us informed and at ease throughout the process. No detail went unchecked. Tony is a true professional. Thanks! -Chan and Cynthia...

A few weeks ago, Jonathan Smoke, the Chief Economist at realtor.com, exclaimed: “All indicators point to this spring being the busiest since 2006.” Now, Freddie Mac has doubled down on that claim and is saying that 2016 will be the best year that the real estate industry has seen in a decade. In their March Housing Outlook Report,Freddie Mac explained: “Despite the challenges facing the...

There are some renters that have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either your mortgage or your landlord’s. As The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: “Households must consume housing whether...

Now that the housing market has stabilized, more and more homeowners are considering moving up to the home they have always dreamed of. Prices are still below those of a few years ago and interest rates have stayed near historic lows. Sellers should realize that waiting to make the move when mortgage rates are projected to increase probably doesn’t make sense. As rates increase, the price of the...

Some Highlights: Harvard University's Joint Center of Housing Studies recently released the top financial & emotional reasons to own a home. Owning is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to your family as it is usually a form of "forced savings." Whether you rent or own, you are paying a mortgage. Yours when you own, your landlord's when you...

This is a not a sellers market. As a seller agent, it's important that he has a vision on how the market goes so he can help the seller to set a price to sell. Tony watches the market and knows the neighborhood really well. He advised me on setting a price that was appealing to the buyer and at the same time, I could make as much profit as possible. When we had different perspectives, he could work...

Some of the housing headlines are causing concern for some consumers who are in the process of either buying or selling a home. Pundits are concerned over the lack of new construction or the month-over-month sales numbers. Let’s set the record straight; 2015 was a good year for residential real estate in the United States and 2016 is starting out stronger. Here is a graph of total homes sold (new...

KIRKLAND, Washington (April 4, 2016) - Traffic isn't the only thing that is gridlocked around many Puget Sound communities. "We're experiencing gridlock in the Puget Sound housing market," suggested J. Lennox Scott in reaction to the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. MLS figures show pending sales across the 23 counties it serves dropped about 4.5 percent in March compared...

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just announced that the February Pending Home Sales Index reached its highest reading since July 2015. What is the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)? NAR’s PHSI is “a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings”. The higher the Pending Home Sales Index number, the more contracts have been signed by buyers that will soon translate to sales....

We were completely satisfied with Tony's service. I particularly appreciated that Tony was willing to work with us, since we live in Japan.  This meant that all of the documents had to be signed electronically and he was able to make this process work well and patiently explain when we did not understand.  He responded to all of our inquiries in a timely and thoroughly professional way.  It was a...

We have used several agents over the past few years for Real Estate transactions and were always left in the end with questions left unanswered and a lot to be desired in terms of the "value add" these agents were able to provide. We had our house listed for a couple of months and it did not sell even in an extremely seller friendly Seattle market. That's when we interviewed Tony. We were extremely...

If you are looking for a well informed, organized and innovative real estate agent then Tony Meier is the agent I would recommend. Tony is well versed on all of the nuances, intricacies and aspects of a real estate transaction. He is clear on what needs to be done to make the sale or purchase of your home seamless and easy to maneuver through. I would recommend Tony to anyone looking to buy or sell and...

I had the privilege of working with Tony as my realtor when selling my home recently.  Tony possesses all the attributes necessary to be an excellent broker: he knows his market extremely well; he is diligent, responsive and very patient with his clients.  Tony is both very professional and personable.  He emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel very secure, puts his clients...

Working with Tony on the sale of our home and purchase of a new one was a pleasure. He is  extremely knowledgeable about real estate matters, accommodating, and was very sensitive to our needs every step of the way. Tony is a real "Pro" and we highly recommend him. Diane and Walt Freytag - Sold in Redmond (English Hill) and Purchased in Redmond (Trilogy)  -...

I am very satisfied with the support I got from Tony and his team. The pre-sale of the home and how best to position it for sale, was instrumental in the success we had at closing. I would recommend Tony and Windermere to anyone looking to buy/sell a home in the English Hill area. Mike Hemphill - Sold in Redmond -...

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that one million borrowers regained equity in their homes in 2015. The outlook for 2016 remains positive as well, as an additional 850,000 properties would regain equity if home prices rose another 5% this year.  The study also revealed: 95% of homes valued over $200,000 now have a positive equity position 87% of homes valued under $200,000 have...

In school we all learned the Theory of Supply and Demand. When the demand for an item is greater than the supply of that item, the price will surely rise. SUPPLY The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently reported that the inventory of homes for sale stands at a 4.4-month supply. This is considerably lower than the 6-month inventory necessary for a normal market. DEMAND Every month...

When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is to actually get the home sold. In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed the purchaser’s...

Some Highlights: Many buyers are purchasing a home with a down payment as little as 3%. You may already qualify for a loan, even if you don't have perfect credit. Take advantage of the knowledge of your local professionals who are there to help you determine how much you can...

Going into the 2016 spring market, the biggest challenge the real estate industry has is the lack of available housing inventory for sale. Here are a few experts and their thoughts on the subject: David Crowe, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders: “Many sellers may not have an absolute decision as to whether to buy an existing home or a new home. So the low inventory of...

In today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal. If prices are surging, it is difficult for appraisers to find adequate, comparable sales (similar houses in the neighborhood that closed recently) to defend the price when performing the appraisal for the bank. Every month,...

As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first-time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned only about price but also about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain. There are many factors that influence the ‘cost’ of a home. Two of the major ones are the home’s appreciation...

We recently reported that home prices are continuing to rise across most of the nation. This has created concern in some pundits that a housing bubble, like we saw ten years ago, is forming again. We want to explain why these concerns are unfounded. The current increase in home values can be easily explained by the theory of supply and demand. Right now, the number of families looking to purchase a...

According to the latest Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index homeownership is a better way to produce greater wealth, on average, than renting. The BH&J Index is a quarterly report that attempts to answer the question: Is it better to rent or buy a home in today’s housing market? The index examines the entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major markets for...

There are many young people debating whether they should renew the lease on their apartment or sign a contract to purchase their first home. As we have said before, mortgage interest rates are still near historic lows and rents continue to rise. Housing Cost & Net Worth Whether you rent or buy, you have a monthly housing cost. As a buyer, you are contributing to YOUR net worth. Every mortgage...

Some Highlights: The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report. In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state. Based on the latest numbers, waiting to move may end up costing you...

Yesterday, we discussed the reasons why homeownership makes sense, financially. Today we wanted to touch on the emotional or ‘real’ reasons that many Americans strive to become homeowners.  The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s feel are most important in regards to...

In a recent blog post on Marginal Revolution, economist Alex Tabarrok discussed homeownership as an investment. Here is what Mr. Tabarrok had to say: “Housing is overrated as a financial investment. First, it’s not good to have a significant share of your wealth locked into a single asset. Diversification is better and it’s easier to diversify with stocks. Second, unless you are renting the...

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet, maybe it's not priced properly. After all 14,986 houses sold yesterday, 14,986 will sell today and 14,986 will sell tomorrow. 14,986! That is the average number of homes that sell each and...

KIRKLAND, Washington (March 7, 2016) - Home prices in King County hit new highs in February as buyers tried to outbid each other for the sparse inventory in much of Western Washington. "We're in for another crazy spring real estate market," predicts J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott, Inc. With the number of single family homes for sale in King County down nearly 30 percent from a...

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Pricereport earlier this month. The report revealed that home prices are not only continuing to rise but that the increases are accelerating. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, discussed the impact of low inventory on buyers in the report: "Without a significant ramp-up in new home construction and more homeowners...

I am keenly aware of how my role has evolved for our sellers over the last few years. Creating a compelling presentation for our client's homes has always been important. However, in the market we have had since 2013, extracting value from competing offers is where the real money is made for our clients! As illustrated in one of our recent articles... "Instead of the seller trying to ‘win’ the...

Every homeowner wants to make sure they maximize their financial reward when selling their home. But how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to ensuring you get the highest price possible. 1. Price it a LITTLE LOW This may seem counterintuitive. However, let’s look at this concept for a moment. Many homeowners think that pricing their home a little OVER...

  Just two weeks ago, we posted an article discussing where mortgage interest rates may be heading over the next twelve months. We quoted projections from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Mortgage Bankers’ Association and the National Association of Realtors. Each predicted that rates would begin to rise slowly and steadily throughout 2016. However, shaky economic news and a volatile stock...

With spring right around the corner, you may be wondering if you should wait to enter the housing market. Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at...

Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where they believe prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of...

During the recession, many young adults graduating from college were forced to move back in with their parents. This caused new household formations to drop dramatically from the long term average of 1.2 million formations annually to half that number. However, this may be the year this turns back around. According to the Urban Land Institute’s report, Emerging Trends in Real Estate, household...

Beautifully maintained and updated home on a quiet street in Kenmore. The open floorplan boasts 2,370 and features 4 bedrooms and 1.75 baths and includes a full mother-in-law suite! Recent updates include new roof, fresh paint, new carpet and refinished oak floors. On the main floor: Spacious living room with gleaming hardwood floors, gas fireplace and big windows overlooking the front yard. Formal...

SOLD for 17% Above List Price! Well cared for tri-level home in Sunrise on English Hill. The light filled floorplan features 1970 s.f., 4 bedrooms, 2.25 baths on a quiet 11,227 s.f. cul-de-sac lot backing to the greenbelt! Recent updates included vinyl windows, neutral paint, white millwork and doors. Formal living room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace & big windows overlooking the front yard....

Listed for $700,000 Fabulous view home in desirable Promontory West on Norway Hill! Promontory West is an outstanding community of view homes with multiple greenspace parks and trail access to the Sammamish River Trail. The formal living room has a recessed ceiling with crown molding, fireplace, bay window overlooking front gardens and large windows with cascade views to the rear. The dining room...

SOLD 2016! Beautifully maintained and updated home in the desirable neighborhood of Winchester Hills in Woodinville. The open floorplan boasts 3,009 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with den and bonus room. The formal living room has a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and large windows overlooking the front gardens. The dining room features hardwood floors & wainscoting - it’s a...

We had two goals to sell our home quickly and do so from out of state. Tony was key in helping us achieve these goals. The process was seamless and we highly recommend him. Dana Trujillo & Doug Lombardi - Sold in Redmond -...

Tony is an outstanding real estate professional. He offers a great deal of experience and local knowledge as it pertains to the east side.Overall we had two great experiences with Tony.He represented us as a Buyer's agentas a Seller's agent.was an asset to us on both sides of the table and can be characterized as the following: - Extremely prepared:was prompt at every meeting and always came prepared...

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 256,000 properties regained equity in the third quarter of 2015. This is great news for the country, as 92% of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation. Price Appreciation = Good News For Homeowners Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains: “Home price growth continued to lift borrower equity positions and...

You’ve decided to sell your house. You begin to interview potential real estate agents to help you through the process. You need someone you trust enough to: Set the market value on possibly the largest asset your family owns (your home) Set the time schedule for the successful liquidation of that asset Set the fee for the services required to liquidate that asset An agent must be...

According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Existing Home Sales Report, homes were on market for an average of 58 days in December. This was slightly longer than the 54 days in November, but still better than the 66 days experienced in December 2014.  32% of homes across the country were on the market for less than a month! Colorado, Utah and Delaware led all states as homes are...

Some Highlights: For the 4th year in a row the Northeast saw a concentration of High Outbound activity. Oregon held on to the top stop of High Inbound states for the 3rd year in a row. Much of this Outbound activity can be attributed to Boomers relocating to warmer climates after...

KIRKLAND, Washington (February 4, 2016) - Depleted inventory is contributing to "overwhelming" traffic at open houses, shifts in strategies for both buyers and sellers, and escalating prices, according to officials with the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Dick Beeson, a former chairman of the MLS board, said the lack of inventory in almost every county is, "without question, a 2016 game...

First American Title issues a quarterly report, the Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI), which“measures title agent sentiment on a variety of key market metrics and industry issues”. Their 2015 4th Quarter Edition revealed some interesting information regarding possible challenges with appraisal values as we head into 2016. “The fourth quarter RESI found that title agents continue to believe that...

Is spring closer than we think? Depending on which Groundhog you witnessed today, you may have less time than you think to get your home on the market before the busy spring season. Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. However, the next six weeks before spring hits also have their own...

It is common knowledge that a large number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their home on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the...

TransUnion recently released the results of a new study titled “The Bubble, the Burst and Now - What Happened to the Consumer?” The study revealed that 1.5 million homeowners that were negatively impacted by the housing crisis could re-enter the housing market in the next three years. TransUnion defined “negatively impacted” as… “…those who were 60+ days past due on a mortgage loan,...

Fannie Mae recently released their “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study. The study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home. Here are three takeaways: 59% of Americans either don’t know (54%) or are misinformed (5%) about what FICO score is necessary 86% of Americans either don’t...

KIRKLAND, Wash. (Jan. 21, 2016) – Members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 88,331 closed sales during 2015, outgaining the prior year’s volume of 77,276 transactions for a 14.3 percent increase. Measured by dollars, last year’s sales of single family homes and condominiums were valued at more than $34 billion. Compared to 2014, that dollar volume represents a gain of nearly 23...

Tony—you were GREAT! You were patient, met with us often, hung around with us while we hemmed and hawed about the Kirkland house, worked closely with us so we understood the dynamics of the current housing market, and so much more! What really struck me was how you stayed at the house while the inspection was being done. You did everything you could to make the negotiations successful, the purchase...

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are too young. And still others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage. We want to share what the typical first time...

This Burnstead resale has been recently updated and located in the desirable neighborhood of Coventry on English Hill. The open floorplan boasts 1,670 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.25 baths on a lush greenbelt lot. The list of recent and extensive updates include: Outside - high quality roof, carriage style garage doors, new windows, trim and front door. Inside - rich hardwood floors, designer tile,...

Listed for $500,000 - Complete details at: http://eastside-and-seattle-homes.com/Listing/19920-state-route-9-se-snohomish Beautifully maintained and updated home in the desirable Maltby area of Snohomish. The open floorplan boasts 2,206 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with vaulted ceilings in most areas. The home is ideally positioned on a 58,552 s.f. lot which backs to the greenbelt!...

The National Economic Forecast 1.The U.S. will continue to expand with real GDP growth of 2.3% in 2016. Although a positive number, the forecasted rate of growth suggests that we will be modestly underperforming in 2016.  On a positive note, oil prices are likely to remain well below long-term averages, which puts more money into consumers’ pockets in terms of disposable incomes.  However, I...

KIRKLAND, Washington (January 6, 2016) - Home prices have "clearly recovered" in King County and a few other areas served by Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Many member-brokers say prices are likely to keep rising as a backlog of buyers competes for depleted inventory. Those were among reactions from brokers upon reviewing the December statistics from the MLS. The latest report shows the year...

Listed at $800,000 Beautifully maintained and updated home in the desirable neighborhood of Sheffield on English Hill. The gracious floorplan boasts 2,950 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus den & bonus room. The home is ideally positioned on a 19,831 s.f. lot which backs to the greenbelt! The list of extensive updates includes remodeled kitchen & baths! The formal living room has a bay...

If you are debating listing your house for sale this year, here is the #1 reason not to wait! Buyer Demand Continues to Outpace the Supply of Homes For Sale The National Association of REALTORS’ (NAR) Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun recently commented on the inventory shortage: “While feedback from REALTORS® continues to suggest healthy levels of buyer interest, available listings that are...

Some Highlights: Happy New Year! If you plan to buy your dream home or sell your house in 2016, resolve to use a real estate professional! Real Estate Professionals are there for you through the entire process to help with paperwork, negotiations, pricing, and so much more! Let's get together to discuss the difference having a professional in your corner can...

I initially had reservations as to how Tony took over the total selling of our home, like a bull in a china shop. He told us what needed to be done, to get out of his way, he made his famous video, got the house on the market, and sold it in a very little time. We hardly lifted a finger. I'd have no reservations having him sell our home the next time. Neal Schwartz Sold in Redmond...

In a recent study conducted by Builder.com, researchers determined that nationwide it would take“nearly eight years” for a first-time buyer to save enough for a down payment on their dream home. Depending on where you live, median rents, incomes and home prices all vary. By determining the percentage a renter spends on housing in each state and the amount needed for a 10% down payment, they were...

In today's market, with homes selling quickly and prices rising, some homeowners might consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Here are five of those reasons: 1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With Here is a list of some of the people with...

As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As a buyer, you must be concerned not about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase by...

  Some Highlights: Foreclosure Inventory has dropped year-over-year for the last 4 years (48 months). Only 3.4% of US homes are in serious delinquency. 29 states have a foreclosure inventory rate lower than the national average. For more information you can download the full report...

CoreLogic released their most current Home Price Index last week. In the report, they revealed home appreciation in three categories: percentage appreciation over the last year, over the last month and projected over the next twelve months. Here are state maps for each category: The Past – home appreciation over the last 12 months The Present – home appreciation over the last month The...

A recent survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The study pointed out two major misconceptions that we want to address today. 1. Down Payment The survey revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the...

Tony helped me through the experience of selling my home with patience, great suggestions and good contacts. As I live on the east coast this was a long distance transaction, plus I’m a house selling novice. He suggested improvements that made sense to me to get the most for my money and was very good about telling me which ideas wouldn’t maximize my profit. He acted almost like a general contractor,...

We all realize that the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and the supply of that item is limited. The last two major reports issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed information that suggests that now is a great time to sell your house. Let’s look at the data covered by the latest Pending Home Sales Report and Existing Home Sales Report. THE PENDING HOME...

Listed for $500,000 Updated rambler on a sunny, south facing lot in Amberley on English Hill. The open floorplan boasts 1,680 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths plus on a 8,247 s.f. lot! This home has been carefully maintained and extensively updated - including remodeling the kitchen and baths! Formal living and dining room with vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace and ample windows overlooking the...

KIRKLAND, Washington (December 4, 2015) - Inventory remains "critically low," but there are fewer house-hunters in the hunt during this holiday season so motivated sellers and buyers are seeing success, according to brokers with Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Its just-released statistics for November show year-over-year gains in pending sales, closed sales, and prices, but a steep decline in...

The monthly mortgage payment on a home is determined by two elements: the price of the house and the interest rate you pay on your mortgage. Recently released reports are revealing that the experts expect both elements to increase in 2016. HOME PRICES CoreLogic has projected a nationwide 5.2% home value appreciation for the next twelve months. Here is their breakdown by state: MORTGAGE INTEREST...

Last week, an article in the Washington Post discussed a new ‘threat’ homebuyers will soon be facing: higher mortgage rates. The article revealed: “The Mortgage Bankers Association expects that rates on 30-year loans could reach 4.8 percent by the end of next year, topping 5 percent in 2017. Rates haven’t been that high since the recession.” How can this impact the housing market? The...

There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either your mortgage or your landlord’s. As The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: “Households must consume housing whether they own...

Some Highlights: The annual adjusted sales are currently at a 5.36 million pace. 14,684 homes sell every day in the United States. October marked the 44th consecutive month of price...

The knowledge of the Market and ability to take excellent pictures and the video were awesome.  My experience working with you on the sale of my home was next to flawless. The experience you brought about the market and the homes values and sales in the area, allowed me to have my home listed at the lower amount for the listing with the hope and should I say expectation that the interest in the home...

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released their Existing Home Sales Report revealing that distressed property sales accounted for 6% of sales in October. This is down from 9% in 2014 and the lowest figure since NAR began tracking distressed sales in October 2008. Below is a graph that shows just how far the market has come since January 2012 when distressed sales accounted for 35% of...

In a recent article by the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, it was revealed that some Millennials are not looking to purchase a home simply because they don’t believe they can qualify for a mortgage. The article quoted Jessica Lautz, the National Association of Realtors’ Managing Director of Survey Research, as saying that there is a significant population that does...

There are many reasons, both financial and non-financial, that homeownership remains an important part of the American Dream. One of the biggest reasons is the fact that it helps build family wealth. Recently, Freddie Mac wrote about the power of home equity. They explained: “In the simplest terms, equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage....

Some Highlights:  24% of all recent home buyers were single at the time of purchase 47% of single men cite the desire to own a home of their own as the primary reason to buy 18% of first-time buyers were single...

Every homeowner wants to make sure they maximize the financial reward when selling their home. But, how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to insuring you get the highest price possible. 1. Price it a LITTLE LOW This may seem counterintuitive. However, let’s look at this concept for a moment. Many homeowners think that pricing their home a little OVER...

When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is to actually get the home sold. In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed the purchaser’s...

The most recent Housing Pulse Survey released by the National Association of Realtors revealed that the two major reasons Americans prefer owning their own home instead of renting are: They want the opportunity to build equity. They want a stable and safe environment. Building Equity In a recent article, John Taylor, CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, explained that those...

The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to look at where rates are headed when deciding to buy now or wait until next year. Below is a chart created using Freddie Mac’s October 2015 U.S. Economic & Housing Marketing Outlook. As you can see interest rates are...

Listed for $850,000 Impeccably maintained home in desirable Gleneden along West Lake Sammamish. Light-filled foyer and rich carpeting welcome you in. Large living room with vaulted ceiling, wood stove and built-in cabinetry. The gracious  dining room with vaulted ceilings is a perfect place to share a meal with friends. Fabulous gourmet kitchen with ample maple cabinets, quartz counters, breakfast...

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Every year at this time, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to put their home on the market for the first time. Others who already have their home on the market decide to take it off the market until after the holidays. Here are six great reasons not to wait: 1. Relocation buyers are out there. Companies are not concerned with holiday time and if the buyers have kids, they want...

//    Website   |   About Tony   |   Client References   |    Blog    |    Search Listings   |   Featured Listings  The Eastside Home Report November 2015 Edition  Western Washington Market ReportAnother Client's Succes Story! October 2015 NWMLS Market Report: With holidays approaching, real estate brokers usually expect a slowdown..."Today we have one of the best markets we've ever...

Here are the latest market charts from the MLS. Click on each image below for a larger version. Active Listings vs. Sold Listings Number of Pending Listings Median Sales Price For more information our the Seattle and Eastside Real Estate Market contact Tony Meier...

KIRKLAND, Washington (November 5, 2015) - With holidays approaching, real estate brokers usually expect a slowdown as buyers and sellers shift their attention elsewhere. "This year is different," say some industry leaders. "Today we have one of the best markets we've ever seen for sellers," observed Ken Anderson, managing broker and owner at Coldwell Banker Evergreen in Olympia. "Buyers are still...

The residential housing market has been hot. Home sales have bounced back solidly and are now at their second highest pace since February 2007. Demand remains strong going into the winter. Many real estate professionals are reporting that multiple offers are occurring regularly and listings are actually selling above listing price. What about your house? If your house hasn’t sold, it is probably the...

Within the next five years, Baby Boomers are projected to have the largest household growth of any other generation during that same time period, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard. Let’s take a look at why…In a recent Merrill Lynch study, “Home in Retirement: More Freedom, New Choices” they surveyed nearly 6,000 adults ages 21 and older about housing.  Crossing...

There have been some who have voiced doubt as to whether or not the younger generations still consider buying a home as being part of the “American Dream”. A study by Merrill Lynch puts that doubt to rest. According to their research, every living generation still maintains that owning a home is in fact important. Here are the numbers: This should not surprise us as many studies have...

According to a joint study released by Google and the National Association of Realtors, 2 of 3 people searching for a prospective real estate professional research them “extensively online prior to working with them". And, that number is probably increasing every day. Are social media channels such as Facebook really a good place to gather information about an agent before using them? If so, what...

Every Hour in the US Housing Market:  634 Homes Sell 347 Homes Regain Positive Equity Median Home Values Go Up...

The Mortgage Bankers’ Association (MBA) recently released a report: ‘Housing Demand: Demographics And The Numbers Behind The Coming Multi-Million Increase In Households’. In this study, the MBA“utilized a comprehensive analysis of data from 1976 to 2014, a period encompassing several market and housing cycles, to provide a projection of much stronger housing demand over the next...

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional! You Need an Expert Guide if you are Traveling a Dangerous Path The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous...

Some Highlights: 36% of Americans think they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. 44% of Millennials who purchased a home this year have put down less than 10%. 71% of loan applications were approved last month The average credit score of approved loans was 723 in September (the lowest recorded score since Ellie Mae began tracking in August...

  Every three years the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey, which includes data from 2010-2013, reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter ($194,500 vs. $5,400). In a recent Forbes article the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Chief Economist...

Many have been wondering when the much anticipated move by Millennials’ into homeownership would actually take place. We know the belief in owning a home is there. According to a recent Merrill Lynch study, eighty one percent of Millennials believe “homeownership is an important part of the American Dream”. This compares favorably to previous generations.     The...

I was very pleased with my experience selling my house with Tony. What I most appreciated was that he: - Acted as my advocate, guiding me through the process and making recommendations that were in my best interest. - Was honest--giving me lots of facts and advice that wasn't always the easiest path. - Responded quickly to every communication from me and others involved in the transaction. Tony...

With residential real estate values rising quite substantially in most parts of the country over the last few years, many homeowners are seeing a major increase in their family’s wealth as equity continues to build in their house. A recent study by the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed that home equity grew nicely last year and has grown dramatically over the last five...

Listed for $575,000 On a quiet cul-de-sac in Coventry on English Hill, sits this Burnstead built, two story home. The gracious floorplan boasts 2,096 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.25 baths plus on a greenbelt lot! The home has been carefully maintained and extensively updated. You will find rich hardwoods and tile on the main floor, and new carpet upstairs! Formal living room with bay window, built-in...

"We have used Tony's services for many years and we keep going back to him. We first ran into Tony when he was the selling agent of a luxury house we bought. We were so impressed with his work from a distance that we asked him to sell our original house right away. He helped us sell it at a great price with multiple competing offers in a week. This was in 2008 when the market was going south! He...

  In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that home ownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is from an average of 16% in Honolulu (HI), all the way to 55% in Sarasota (FL), and 35% Nationwide! The other...

According to the latest report from the US Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, newly constructed home sales jumped 5.7% month-over-month and 21.6% year-over-year to an annual pace of 552,000. Many buyers are looking to the new homes market to make up for the lack of existing home sales inventory. National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist David Crowe...

(Tim and Tam with the 3 offers we generated on their home) We highly recommend Tony Meier to fill your real estate needs. He blazed the trail for us with the prep work, created a professional promotional video of our home, hired an outstanding home inspector so that all the clients had access to the results, and followed through with an open house as well as six days of showings. In the end, he let those...