Blog – Real Estate News

We're very glad we called in Tony to get a market appraisal and then signed him on to serve us as a realtor both in buying a new home and in selling our family home of fifteen years. It was a hard thing to leave a home we loved, but we knew we had to do it to fit the current reality in our lives. Tony was very understanding of our emotions, even as he worked with hard numbers and a clear sense of the...

I so appreciated your patient and faithful attention to us as we agreed on a listing price, asked questions about preparing the house, eliminated unpleasant odors late at night (LOL!) and worked through the process of signing papers with Bob and I in different states. To you, selling and buying houses is an every day kind of experience.  To most of your clients I would guess that it's just shy of...

Tony is the best real estate agent we have ever worked with! Whilst out for a coffee we stumbled across a house that seemed perfect for us. We called Tony, who squeezed us into his already hectic day, meeting us at the house we wanted to buy, where he provided instant access to key relevant data that together with Tony’s expert advice enabled us to make a competitive and attractive offer to the seller;...

WOW, Tony - we can’t thank you enough! Our home sold quickly and for more than we hoped! Tony was always there for us, listening to our needs and understanding our desires. He always had our best interest at heart and we always knew where we stood with him. We would recommend Tony whole heartedly to anyone looking to buy or sell. We only wish he were here to help us in Palm Springs with our next...

KIRKLAND, Wash. (May 3, 2012) – Northwest Multiple Listing Service brokers reported double-digit gains in both pending and closed sales during April compared to a year ago, but the most eye-catching number may pertain to prices. For the first time in more than four years (since January 2008) the year-over-year change in selling prices was positive. The price gain was a modest 1.27 percent for last...

The Redmond Garden Club will be having their annual sale May 12th from 8am to 3pm. The sale will be located at 17817 NE 131st Street, Redmond, 98052. Follow the signs along NE 124th/NE 128th, Avondale Road, or Redmond-Woodinville Road All kinds of greenery and goodies including: Perennials Annuals, Vegetable Starts, Shrubs, Crafts, Planters plus garden related yard sale items and much more Come early...

I just purchased my home in January of 2012 and I have got to say that I am so glad I had Tony as my real estate agent!  Not only was he patient with me and my very specific real estate needs but he was really thorough with the negotiations with the bank.  He went over and beyond my expectations for the process and communicated with me every step of the way.  I always felt like I new what was...

NWMLS April 5th, 2012 “Buyer Ready” Home Shoppers Have Edge as Brokers Report Rise in Multiple Offers KIRKLAND, Wash. (April 5, 2012) – The housing market in the Puget Sound region is pointing toward a sustainable recovery, according to several brokers who commented on the March activity report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. MLS Members reported 9,126 pending sales during March, a...

From the Northwest Multiple Listing Service: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2012 Washington homebuyers realizing "market may have reached bottom of cycle" KIRKLAND, Wash. (March 5, 2012) – With spring on the horizon and consumer confidence on the rise, members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service are reporting positive gains in activity. Pending sales for February increased more than 27...

Inventory is way down from our peak levels! In 2008 there were nearly 16,000 homes for sale in King County, now we have less than half that!   Inventory is absorbing at levels we have not seen since the market correction began!  Absorption levels in mid-30’s would typically mean the median price is on the rise.   So what does this mean to you and your...

We just loved working with Tony in selling our home.  Everything was handled in a professional manner and the communication was great.  We were never left wondering what was happening during the whole process.  Tony let us know what was happening through the whole process right down to when the final recording of the sale was complete. The online feedback system is very helpful to know what the...

Tony helped us buy our current home and sell our previous one.  Through both transactions, he kept us well informed of all of the various timelines and deadlines and provided sound advise as we progressed from preparing and pricing our home through the offers and negotiations with the buyers/sellers.  He was very responsive to our needs completed the sales quickly and efficiently. He did an...

Tony sold our home this January, in appalling weather, several inches of snow on the ground, in about a week. Buyers never saw the grass until after the deal was signed. We had 2 offers on the same day and he was able to finesse the price very close to our asking. Tony was efficient & responsive on everything, he moved the process along quickly and professionally. Staying in constant touch, was huge...

Repost of a Press Release from http://www.waschoolexcellence.org/ Full text of the Washington State Supreme Court Decision on Jan 5th 2012 can be found here: Education in the New: Washington Supreme Court Decision In a clear win for children, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled unanimously today that the state was violating its constitutional paramount duty to amply fund K-12 education. This is a...

NWMLS KIRKLAND, WA. (Dec. 5, 2011) – Northwest Multiple Listing Service members reported 6,103 pending sales during November, marking the seventh straight month of double-digit year-over-year increases. Last month's total number of mutually accepted offers was 22.4 percent higher than the same month a year ago. It also marked the first month since December 2006 that the number of pending sales...

December 5, 2011 We recently utilized Tony Meier to assist us with the purchase of a rental house. As a real estate professional, Tony has an excellent knowledge of the market and provided us with exceptional service from house search to house closing. As our agent, he was very pro-active, responsive, trustworthy, and diligent. Our purchase offer was accepted the night before we left on vacation to...

Selling your home during the holidays means a few extra things to keep in mind. Below are some tips on how to keep your holiday-themed house buyer friendly and ready to sell! Don’t go overboard with the holiday decorations. They can make your home look cluttered and take attention away from it. Large Christmas trees can make a room look smaller. As can a ton of presents under the tree and too much...

Better times are ahead for the real estate market in the new year, according to several forecasts and recent surveys. Fiserv, a financial information services firm, predicts that 95 percent of the 384 metro areas it tracks will see prices rise in 2012. Many surveys and economists are forecasting a very modest increase for the housing market in the new year, but after several years of dropping prices...

Tony did a great job suggesting the right improvements and great contractors to make our home show best for our market.  He did an excellent job taking photos and building a photo showcase and video to market our home that really made it shine.  He did a great job helping us come to terms with the current market so we could set an appropriate price.  The combination of these helped us generate a...

Thank you so much for all your help in selling our house. The whole experience was fantastic and we will recommend you to all our friends and family. Heather and Merrick Hill - Sold in Bothell -...

The Seattle Times confirms what I see too.... It is an incredible opportunity to buy a home today! "Thanks to declining prices and record-low interest rates, houses in King County are more affordable now than they've been in at least 17 years, a new score card says." For their complete story, click here. Tony Meier Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable! Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their...

Tony, you did a great job at communicating with us. Your responses were thorough and timely. You were very tactful at handling and calming these anxious first time home buyers! We greatly appreciate your services and will definitely recommend you to friends. Thank you again!! Annie & Josh Owen - Purchased in Bothell -...

Nationally, median list prices have risen 1.60 percent to $190,000, based on year-over-year data from September. However, some cities haven’t fared so well. California continues to have the most cities seeing some of the largest drops in median list prices the past year. Of the cities that have seen the largest drops in list prices year-over-year from September 2011, California cities make up half of...

Tony did a great job helping me prepare my home for sale and strategizing a competitive price. He took exceptional photos that showed my home to its best advantage and remained positive and upbeat throughout the process.  I very much appreciate his assistance and expertise.  Thanks Tony! Paula Worley - Sold in Redmond -...

Tony was recommended to us by our friends and he lived up to the expectation. He helped us sell our house as well as buy a new one. Through the entire process, he was very professional and patient. He was very knowledgeable about the area and the market. We looked at quite a few houses and throughout the process he stayed focused on our needs, gave us advice and gently nudged us along. Had he not been for...

My associates over at CW Title have prepared this great graphic to show the life of an Escrow. Click on the image for a larger version. Tony Meier Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable! Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989 Windermere Real Estate/NE EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate...

I wanted to thank you for everything you did to support our family in this massive endeavor.  I knew Wendy and I made the right choice in asking you to represent us after the first 5 minutes with you, back in May.  Everything that has happened since then has done nothing but reinforce our decision.  I appreciate your professionalism, knowledge, experience, honesty, and the simple fact that you...

We enlisted Tony’s services to buy a house in Woodinville and sell our house in Redmond. Throughout the process, Tony was extremely professional and virtually always available, in person, by phone, or by e-mail. He explained the processes of buying and selling very clearly and was helpful in many areas. He always had time when needed in critical situations. He helped us sell our house very quickly in a...

Tony was by far the best real estate agent I have ever encountered. He exceeded my expectations in all aspects of the sale.  His aggressiveness and responsiveness to all of my needs were outstanding. I would highly recommend  him to any prospective clients. Thanks again Tony, you truly are the best.... Steve Couey - Purchased in Woodinville -...

Tony, Your service level was great. You always answered my questions with honest answers. I was especially impressed with the people and companies that you recommended for getting the house ready to sell. They were professional and did what they said they would do when they said that they would do it. Thanks again Tony. Dick Anderson and Dorothy Anderson - Sold in Bellevue -...

The 10 Most Walkable Cities Buyers have expressed more preferences to walkable communities in home-shopping surveys. Walk Friendly Communities, a national recognition program, recently recognized the top places in the country for walking, taking into account such factors as safety, space in communities devoted to pedestrians, as well as whether walking is integrated into the city’s overall urban...

I met Tony a few years ago when I first considered selling my Bellevue home.  I had asked three realtors for their input. Tony continued to follow up with friendly and useful mailings describing the general sales climate. When we were again ready to sell, I had already determined that Tony was the right choice for me. Tony helped me with solid competitive data to price the home, advice on staging,...

The Redmond Garden Club will be having their annual sale May 7th from 8am to 3pm. The sale will be located at 17817 NE 131st Street, Redmond, 98052. Follow the signs along NE 124th/NE 128th, Avondale Road, or Redmond-Woodinville Road All kinds of greenery and goodies including: Perennials Annuals, Vegetable Starts, Shrubs, Crafts, Planters plus garden related yard sale items and much more Come early...

March saw another increase in pending home sales, with contract activity rising unevenly in six of the past nine months, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 5.1 percent to 94.1 in March from a downwardly revised 89.5 in February. The index is 11.4 percent below 106.2 in March 2010; however,...

Since its birth as a National Holiday in 1914, the second Sunday of May has been dedicated to showering the Moms in our lives with love and appreciation. Here are some ideas to help you do just that: For a Craft-Loving mom: Make her a custom photo book full of fun family memories or give her some time to herself to spend flexing her creative muscles. http://www.snapfish.com For a Luxury-Loving...

Unfortunately, I have been assisting several people lately with short sales. During the process we discuss the serious impact this process will have on my clients credit score. The New York Times posted an article, that fills in the details further. Missed Mortgage Payments Hurt Credit Scores Missed mortgage payments, short sales, and foreclosures can all drastically bring down a credit score. Lenders...

Sales of existing-home sales rose in March, continuing an uneven recovery that began after sales bottomed last July, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 3.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.10 million in March from an upwardly revised 4.92...

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill Thursday that makes Washington the third state to adopt a foreclosure-mediation program, after Nevada and Maryland. By Sanjay Bhatt Seattle Times staff reporter The bill, the "Foreclosure Fairness Act," gives distressed homeowners working with housing counselors or attorneys the right to in-person mediation with the bank or company servicing their mortgage. Washington,...

We hired Tony in August 2011 to sell our house in the English Hill neighborhood of Redmond, as we were moving out of state. We interviewed several real estate agents before deciding on Tony. Tony was well-prepared for our first meeting and came across as an friendly person with extensive knowledge of the neighborhood. We hit it off almost immediately. This was the first time we were selling a house and...

Housing Shortage on the Horizon? Mike Castleman, founder and CEO of Metrostudy, which tracks real-time data of the country’s inventory of new homes, says a housing shortage is looming that will soon will create a huge surge in demand for new homes. As such, now is the time to buy, he says. In the 41 cities Metrostudy covers, 78,000 houses are either vacant and for sale, or under construction — that...

Generation X—young families and adults ages 31 to 45—are likely to lead the home-buying recovery as it gets underway, according to real estate experts who spoke at an educational webinar produced by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with Builder magazine. These potential home buyers are most likely to think it’s a good time to get off the fence—and have strong...

Australian builder plans 500 houses in Seattle market One of Australia's largest homebuilders is entering the U.S. market with a bet on King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. By Eric Pryne Seattle Times business reporter One of Australia's largest homebuilders is jumping into the Seattle market. Henley Properties said Monday it plans to build 500 houses in King, Snohomish and...

Buffett Says Buying His Home for $31,500 Was Third-Best Investment He Made By Kathleen M. Howley - Feb 28, 2011 Billionaire Warren Buffett said buying a home was the third-best investment he ever made, after the rings he bought for his first wife, Susan Thompson, and, after her death, his second wife, Astrid Menks. “For the $31,500 I paid for our house, my family and I gained 52 years of terrific...

One of our family's favorite events... The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. For 28 years, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been one of the most sought-after events in the Pacific Northwest. Come and enjoy the celebration of Spring as millions of tulips burst into bloom!  Don’t forget to bring your camera! 25th Annual Tulip Run     April 9, 9:30am     www.tuliprun.com  30th Annual Tulip...

Generation X — adults ages 31 to 45 — are expected to lead the recovery in the housing market, according to real estate experts in a recent webinar produced by the National Association of Home Builders. During the event, speakers highlighted results of a survey of 10,000 buyers in 27 metro areas. While Generation X isn’t the largest population group — making up 32 percent of the population...

If you answered... not very, then you are like most people. The recent incidents in Japan heighten the awareness that we should be prepared for whatever mother nature or mankind can through at us! With this in mind... I have gathered a copy of the Washington State Emergency Resource Guide for you to download at the link below: Washington State Emergency Resource Guide I hope you will take the time to...

Tax Time Less Taxing for Home Owners With a little more than one month before income taxes are due, many of the nation’s 75 million home owners may be appreciating the value of home ownership just a bit more as they take advantage of the tax benefits of owning a home. “Owning a home offers myriad benefits throughout the year, but some of the financial advantages of home ownership are most apparent at...

h2>Become a moisture detective to keep your investment in good repair and get rid of household smells. It’s time to see what winter’s wind, rain and snow have done to your home and make fixes quickly to head off water-related damage. First, head outside. Outside Spiff up the front entry. One way to stay on top of your home’s maintenance and protect your investment is to look at it as...

Nearly 70 percent of buyers and sellers say they believe the housing market and property values will recover in the next year or two, according to a new survey by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services Inc. What’s more, 86 percent of the more than 1,000 buyers and sellers surveyed believe real estate is still a good investment despite the souring market conditions in many areas the past few...

The number of foreclosure notices filed in February declined 14 percent compared with last month, and foreclosure notices dropped 27 percent compared to last year at this time. That marks the largest year-over-year decline that RealtyTrac, a foreclosure tracking site, has ever recorded. The number of U.S. homes in some stage of foreclosure fell drastically last month, reaching a 36-month low, RealtyTrac...

Kiplingers 10 Best Cities for the Next Decade They're prosperous, innovative, and they'll generate plenty of jobs, too.By the Editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, July 2010 We live in challenging times. Unemployment remains high, and the U.S. lead in technology and science is slipping as many foreign countries gain ground. But some U.S. cities,...

The uptrend in existing-home sales continues, with January sales rising for the third consecutive month with a pace that is now above levels a year ago, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 2.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36 million in January...

Housing markets: Best recovery bets 6 of 10 Seattle Median home price: $375,000 Drop since market peak: 24.4% Forecast gain by 9/2012: 3.7% Seattle is a good mix of new and old economies, with Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing offering good, well-paying jobs. And that has been key to getting the city's economy off life support, with the unemployment rate dropping below 9% in...

Tony Meier made sure that I was clearly informed throughout the 2 year search for my new home.  I understood all my options and he helped me narrow down my choices.  I appreciated his patience and perseverance, and his quick response.  His knowledge and expertise were extremely valuable when I finally found a suitable place, and frankly I don’t think the deal would’ve happened without him. Tony...

Washington, DC, January 20, 2011 Existing-home sales rose sharply in December, when sales increased for the fifth time in the past six months, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 12.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.28 million in December from an...

We worked with Tony on both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our old home. Throughout the process, Tony proved to be committed, knowledgeable, and savvy while taking us through the purchase and sales process. Regarding the sale, even in a down market, Tony managed to get our house sold. Unlike many real estate professionals, Tony is a very good communicator and kept us informed and up-to-speed...

Washington, DC, December 30, 2010 Pending home sales rose again in November, with the broad trend over the past five months indicating a gradual recovery into 2011, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, rose 3.5 percent to 92.2 based on contracts signed in November from a downwardly revised 89.1 in October. The index is 5.0 percent...

    Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

Redmond Listing - 3670 sf two story home in Mount Clare Estates on English Hill

  12904 176th Pl NE, Redmond WA 98052 - $449,900 Completely remodeled home in Olde Morrison on English Hill. The  well laid out floorplan boasts 1930 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a private lot! Many recent updates include - remodeled kitchen and baths, new carpets, refinished hardwood floors, new molding and doors! Sunken formal living room with bay windows. Formal dining room...

I contacted Tony from Spokane in hopes that he could help me find a new home on the west side.  He found several places and e-mailed the information to me so that we would have a scheduled list to view when I came over.  The only time I could come was on a weekend, and a holiday weekend at that.  Tony took time out from his weekend to show me around.  He was extremely helpful  and spent a lot of time...

You were always at hand and available for any questions we had.  We especially appreciated the manner in which our house was presented and marketed - you really made it look like a million bucks!  The video presentation and slide show were tops.  We were almost sorry to be selling!   All in all, a pleasant experience. Jim & Tamea Connell - Sold in Woodinville -...

The King County Real Estate Market Takes a Breather as Tax Credit Expires... The fevered pace that led up to the tax credit deadline appears to have slowed some. Time will tell if this a brief pause or something more significant. Keep watch on my blog for more details . BTW... I personally had 3 sales during the last 7 days as represented on the image below, so it was not slow for me. Two were before...

Another tremendous week in pending sales! · 3rd best week for King County since July 18, 2007 -  Year to date sales are up 64% · 5th best week for Eastside(areas 500-600) since July 18, 2007 - Year to date sales are up 88% Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

- 6th best week for King County since July 18, 2007 -  Year to date sales are up 52% - 8th best week for Eastside(areas 500-600) since July 18, 2007 - Year to date sales are up 75%   Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

  13724 175th Ct NE, English Hill, Redmond Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in Amberley on English Hill, sits this charming Burnstead built, two story home. The gracious floorplan boasts 1990 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.25 baths and wood windows on a very private 7,316 s.f. lot! Many recent updates include - high quality roof, new carpets on the main floor, new slab granite counters in the...

Buyers in King County continue to grab up homes before the tax credit expires. With 2 weeks left to secure a home and the credit, there isn't much time left!  If I can help you take advantage of the credit, give me a call at 425-466-1000. Posted By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor EastsideHomesBlog.com EastsideHomes.com Seattle's Eastside Real Estate...

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People who cashed out refinances, or had part of their mortgage debt forgiven when they sold their homes through short sales, will probably owe the IRS a big payback.In 2007, Congress passed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Act, but that doesn’t let everyone off the hook.Here are exceptions to the rule:• Anyone who did a cash-out refinance and spent the money on something not housing related, then got in...

Tony is incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the home-buying process.  He provides a calm, steady presence throughout that process -- from planning a home purchase, to picking the right place to live, to making and finalizing the offer on the perfect place.  We were amazed at how efficient the whole process was from start to finish in working with Tony, as his proactive approach had us ready for...

Interest rates are likely to remain low into 2011, Federal Reserve policymakers hinted this week in at least two presentations. These indications came one week after the Fed shut down its program to buy mortgage-backed securities, which had kept rates at or near record lows in recent months. In a speech Thursday, Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo said, "The relatively modest pace of recovery, the continued...

Six consecutive weeks of top ten sales!   Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

Always a favorite event on English Hill....   The Redmond Garden Club will be having their annual sale May 8th from 8am to 3pm.  The sale will be located at 14010 180th Ave NE, Redmond, 98052. Follow the signs along NE 124th/NE 128th, Avondale Road, or Redmond-Woodinville Road They will be offering over 1500 plants, including perennials, herbs, grasses, vegetable starts and ground...

With the deadline for the Homebuyer’s tax credit fast approaching, some potential homebuyers have questions regarding the tax credit and how it works. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions 1 How is the tax credit claimed?The tax credit is claimed as part of the homeowner’s Federal income tax return. This is done on IRSForm 5405 with a copy of the Settlement Statement for the home...

The market continues to exhibit strength with 5 consecutve weeks of top 10 sales!   Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

My wife and I recently hired Tony to help us buy a house to start the next phase of our lives. He was fantastic, and a pleasure to work with. He handled our pickiness, had tons of knowledge about arcane home stuff that was incredibly useful in picking the right house, and did immense amounts of work while we were out of town to help us close on time. If you need a realtor in the Puget Sound area, you won't...

Four consecutive week's of top 10 sales activity! Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

 Recently I received this testimonial from clients who purchased in Sammamish   "My wife and I recently hired Tony to help us buy a house to start the next phase of our lives. He was fantastic, and a pleasure to work with. He handled our pickiness, had tons of knowledge about arcane home stuff that was incredibly useful in picking the right house, and did immense amounts of work while we...

Thanks for helping us sell our home. We are very impressed with your real estate knowledge and expertise. You put together an extensive and successful advertising campaign and kept us totally up to date on the market trends and sales activities. Jim and Therese Eby - Sold in Redmond -...

Sales continue their strong pace! · Second best week in King County since 07-18-07.  Year to date sales up 64% · Second best week on the Eastside since 07-18-07 .  Year to date up 98%!!   Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

The decline in home sales in February was a disappointment to the housing industry, but Fannie Mae’s analysts say it is temporary and a sustainable turnaround is likely by the end of the year.Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan points to evidence that a recovery is on its way, including an increase in consumer spending, an improving service sector, and the likelihood that employers will begin hiring...

The Federal Reserve renewed its commitment to keep key interest rates near zero for an “extended period,” but also confirmed that it will stop buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March.The Fed, whose regular meeting began Tuesday, said that “housing starts have been flat at depressed levels” and “employers remain reluctant to add to payrolls” as a reason for extending the cap on...

Newly listed Sheffield home on English Hill in Redmond! 14340 172nd Ave NE, Redmond  Elegant & updated two story on private, 35,100 s.f lot in Sheffield on English Hill. Fantastic Buchan built home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, den & bonus - approx. 3110 s.f. Recent updates include high  quality roof & bamboo floors on main level. Dramatic two story foyer with open...

Newly listed Coventry home on English Hill in Redmond! 17420 NE 140th Pl, Redmond SOLD IN 11 DAYS! Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in Coventry on English Hill, sits this charming Burnstead built, two story home. The gracious floorplan boasts 2040 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 2.25 baths plus den on a very private 7,497 s.f. lot! Many recent updates include - high quality roof, neutral paint,...

 Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

Tony and his team are more than real estate brokers - they are relationship builders who never stop after the sale. I have known Tony now for over 20 years and he continually stays in touch and top of mind with great newsletters on hot topics for improving your life and your home owning experience. I have since bought and sold several houses and have recommended them to many of my friends. They truly are...

We were very happy with the level of service you provided. You gave us great insight to the various areas we were looking at. Coming from out of state it was hard not knowing the market up here. You made it easy. Tony, you really earned our respect. You even found someone to show us around when we could only come up on a weekend you were out of town. You always returned my emails and calls promptly. I...

Thank you so much for helping us with the sale of our English Hill home last fall. Living out of state, it was important for us to find a realtor who would pay attention to detail and do things for us that we couldn’t do from our location. Listing a home in this market was unsettling, but with your advice and input we were able to find a way to get it sold. Thanks again for the extra effort you put in...

Thank you so much for making our dream of owning a home once again come true. You are amazing, through all 15 homes we looked at, you hung in their with us. We are so grateful to you for showing us the home we finally settle on and purchased. We absolutely will recommend you to all our friends that may be looking for an agent… Knowing they will be as impressed with your professionalism and knowledge of...

About a month ago, I was interviewed for the Lowe's for Pros website on landscaping ideas to improve the market value and salability of a home. Below is the text of the article and here is the link:http://www.lowesforpros.com/landscaping-to-increase-property-value   Landscaping to Increase Property Value   By: Jake FowlerIssue Date: October 2009   For homeowners, curb appeal is...

"Tony, you really earned our respect.  You even found someone to show us around when we could only come up on a weekend you were out of town.  You always returned by emails and calls promptly.  I really liked the fact that you read into what we were looking for in a home.  You knew the areas well and even gave pointers about the commute times I could face for work.  I...

The Wall Street Journal is optimistic on Seattle: Which Cities Will See Biggest Rebound? Which cities are likely to be the hottest post-economic downturn destinations for young, brilliant, and highly mobile workers? The Wall Street Journal surveyed six trend-spotting experts and they chose cities based on economic diversity, lifestyle and their own personal prejudices. Here’s the top-10...

I was extremely satisfied with my experience with you Tony. Your approach to the initial marketing with the attention to details and honest approach to market placement was outstanding. The marketing follow up with internet, fliers and feed back was great. Keeping the seller, me, up to date was very important. Your dedication to a professional and personal approach to real estate transactions is...

My husband Dow and I enthusiastically refer Tony to friends and acquaintances and encourage you to utilize his services. You will find in Tony a Realtor with experience, patience, empathy and perseverance. We first met Tony when planning our first move to Seattle, back in 2000. Newly engaged, we were looking in a new city for our first house together. We were referred to Tony through a business contact,...

Real estate professionals report that first-time home buyers are flooding the sale market, pressed to finalize a deal before the federal government's $8,000 tax credit offer expires on Nov. 30. Because mortgage approvals, residential inspections, and other steps in the buying process typically take about two months, buyers hoping to take advantage of the incentive will need to have a contract by the...

I wanted to say thank you so much for your help with our move.  Moving almost 2000 miles is quite a move and you were there every step of  the way.  You were always in contact with us while we were in Texas helping us with any questions we had about the different areas in Seattle. Then when we came for our house hunting trip you even made a packet of the homes that we were going to visit for the kids...

This week's numbers show a continued rise in pending sales on the Eastside of Seattle. These represent the highest numbers in 2 years or more! Interestingly, short sales, pre-forclosures and bank owned homes made up over 25% of the pending sales last week. See the snap shot below.   Here is a look at the last 2 years:   If you have any questions about this information or want to know the...

KIRKLAND, WA, June 4, 2009 – Waiting longer to buy a home is not likely to pay off, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Service director Kathy Estey after reviewing reports summarizing May activity. Estey pointed to shrinking inventory (about 20 percent fewer listings than a year ago), double-digit increases in the number of pending sales (up 17.7 percent from a year ago), solid open house activity,...

If you read the new report from Moody's Economy.com and MSNBC.com you would think so! They list Washington state as one of the last places to enter the recession and likely one of the first few out. They predect that five states including Washington will begin to recover in the 4th quarter of 2009. This is due in large part to our high tech industry and expect our employment to rebound in...

KIRKLAND, WA, May 5, 2009 –Northwest Multiple Listing Service members reported pending sales for April surged 11.4 percent compared to twelve months ago – and rose 21.3 percent from March. Brokers reported 6,918 pending sales during April across the 19 counties that make up the Northwest MLS market area. That's up from the year-ago total of 6,208, and the March figure of 5,701 pending sales (offers...

My wife and kids love to go this event! Every year they come home with some great additions to our garden!    The Redmond Garden Club will be having their annual sale May 9th from 8am to 3pm.  The sale will be located at 14010 180th Ave NE, Redmond, 98052. Follow the signs along NE 124th/NE 128th, Avondale Road, or Redmond-Woodinville Road All kinds of greenery & goodies...

  Posted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.    These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you...

In the final installment of cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at two replacement projects that most owners of 20+ year old homes will be looking at. Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Window Replacement   Project Description:  Replace 10 existing 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap existing exterior trim as required to match. Do...

In memory of my Irish mother… I would like to share some of my favorite Irish sayings and blessings with you.   An Irishman's Philosophy In life, there are only two things to worry about—Either you are well or you are sick.If you are well, there is nothing to worry about, But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about—Either you will get well or you will die.If you get well,...

A few weeks ago I attended a class where Barry Habib spoke. According to the many lenders I know, he is the premier expert on the lending industry. Many lenders look to his weekly reports on how to advise their clients on the all important decision - when to lock your loan. So when the opportunity presented itself to hear him speak, I knew it would be informative.  Barry spoke a lot about "Mark to...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.    These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you...

Tony made me feel very comfortable and confident that I was making the right choices in my purchase. I would recommend him for any real estate transactions. Randy Paul - Sold in Kirkland & Purchased in Snohomish -...

If you are looking for an agent who has limited experience in the industry or who only does real estate on the side then look somewhere else. Tony is a Diamond level Real Estate Agent. There is no one better! Tony's many years of experience in and knowledge of Real Estate come shining through during the entire home buying process. We are beyond thrilled with the way Tony facilitated the purchase and...

Thinking of adding on to your abode?  In this week’s cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at three popular additions that can make your home much more enjoyable! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Family Room Addition   Project Description:  In a style appropriate to the existing house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawl space foundation with vinyl siding and...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.    These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would...

Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to work with Tony as both a listing agent and a buyers representative.  Given my experience, I cannot imagine working with anyone else to meet my Real estate needs.  He provides the highest levels of service and gets the job done every time. Kevin Hafer - Sold in Kirkland -...

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this week’s cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the bathroom. This is another area that has a dramatic impact on a home’s desirability and salability! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area Bathroom Addition   Project Description:  Add a full 6-by-8-foot bath over a crawl space with poured concrete walls. Include cultured-marble...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.    These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would...

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released new FHA and conforming loan limits based on changes enacted last week as part of the massive economic stimulus bill. Under the legislation, loan limits in high-cost areas are increased to $729,750, the same as last year. They had dropped to $625,500 this year before passage of the legislation. In a Mortgagee Letter released yesterday on the...

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this week’s cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a home’s value and general appeal. After all, isn't that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Minor Kitchen Remodel   Project Description: In a functional but...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would like...

Thank you to my clients who have nominated me as a 2008 FIVE STAR:  Best In Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent!  With 14,000 agents in the Seattle area it is nice to be recognized as one of the best in my field. Here is the official press release: Posted: December 5, 2008 Seattle, WA (December 5, 2008) - In the December 2008 issue of Seattle magazine, the 2008 FIVE STAR: Best...

One of the greatest benefits I have found for having a coach is perspective. As we move through life, it easy to focus on the negative news and lose sight of the big picture. Perspective can help bring things back to reality. My coach at www.BuffiniandCompany.com assembled this information that I would like to share with you. Hopefully it will give you perspective...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.    These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would like to...

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing. 2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.3. Get your finances in...

Forbes names Seattle as the market most likely to rebound. Here is the article: Real Estate Markets Most Likely To ReboundDorothy Pomerantz 10.29.08, 4:00 PM ET If you're a homeowner seeing property values plummet, look to the commercial real estate market for solace. It might tell you which areas will recover fastest--and which will likely remain weak. The Urban Land Institute recently asked 700 real...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.    These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If...

Are you unsure WITCH way to turn? There Is No Need To Worry!The Real Estate Market Does Not Have To Be A Scary Place!With two decades of experience, I know how to navigate the changing market successfully and profitably for my clients!  If I can help you get your home SOLD or assist with the purchase of a new home, give me a call at 425-466-1000   Happy Halloween...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.    These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If...

My business coach, David Meihaus from Buffini and Company sent me this great item on the value of time. Enjoy! TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE! May this reminder help you use it well! The clock is running. Make the most of your time, and of today! TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF: ONE YEAR-- ask a student who has failed his final exam ONE MONTH--ask the mother of a premature baby ONE WEEK--ask the editor of...

Are you thinking of buying your first home or moving up in the near future? If so, now is the time to get your finances in order. Here are some tip to help: 1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as...

Existing-home sales increased last month as buyers responded to improved housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – rose 5.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million units in September from a level of 4.91 million in August. Home sales are 1.4 percent...

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move. 1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of...

Banks, faced with rising foreclosures, government pressure and economic realities, are growing more willing to modify loans to keep borrowers out of foreclosure.More than three million U.S. homeowners over the last 15 months have either received loan modifications or are involved in programs where that will be the result.* About 2.26 million mortgages have been modified under the Hope Now program, an...

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Sammamish for the last two years. The chart starts off at $266.33 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $280.72 per square foot in April 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $250.54 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to...

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Bothell for the last two years. The chart starts off at $211.20 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $219.76 per square foot in June 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $189.45 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to contact...

Halloween is almost here! As you prepare for the festivities, keep the following tips handy: Costume Safety -Check to make sure the costume is flame retardant.-If the costume is made with dark fabric, use reflective tape or wear a glowstick necklace.-Make sure your costume fits properly, hem any excess material to prevent tripping.-Masks should fit properly allowing for sight and breathing.-Use...

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Bellevue for the last two years. The chart starts off at $315.06 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $361.78 per square foot in July 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $300.11 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free...

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Kirkland for the last two years. The chart starts off at $305.61 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $350.38 per square foot in the May 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $294.65 per square foot.       If you would like to more about home price trends in a...

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Woodinville for the last two years. The chart starts off at $249.26 per square foot in October 2006. While prices do appear to be trending down... strong sales in September 2008 brought the price is $258.49 per square foot!   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular...

The U.S. Treasury announced plans today to purchase up to $250 billion in preferred stock from the nation's top banks. The move is part of a plan that President Bush says will help prevent recession and preserve the free market. "Government owning a stake in any private U.S. company is objectionable to most Americans – me included," Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said in a statement....

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Seattle for the last two years. The chart starts off at $285.94 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $319.32 per square foot in August 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $279.72 per square foot.   If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to...

Here is a quick look at the average price per square foot of homes and condos in Redmond for the last two years. The chart starts off at $247.85 per square foot in October 2006, then peaks at $287.16 per square foot in the summer of 2007. As of September 2008 the price is $247.26 per square foot. If you would like to more about home price trends in a particular area, feel free to...

News from NW Multiple Listing Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2008 Pending Sales Up 4.1 Percent From Year Ago, Total Inventory Unchanged KIRKLAND, Wash. (Oct. 6, 2008) – Home sales around Western Washington during September rose 4.1 percent from a year ago, reversing a 19-month pattern of declines. Members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 5,982 pending sales (offers made and...

This is a complicated question. To discover the answer, we must know the forces that control our market. Real estate is a supply vs. demand business and is heavily related to the rate of absorption of the inventory. Absorption Rates If we have low inventory and high demand the absorption rate is high and we have a seller’s market. Conversely, if we have high inventory and low demand the absorption...

Buy Used: Whether you’ve just moved to a new home or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new.  Check out garage sales and thrift stores for clothing and other everyday items. Use your creativity in gift giving (http://www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php), including making...

H.R. 3221, the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,” passed the House on July 23, 2008, by a vote of 272-152. On Saturday, July 26, 2008, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 72-13. The President signed the bill on July 30, 2008. The bill includes the following provisions: GSE Reform – including a strong independent regulator, and permanent conforming loan limits up to the greater of...

Hey Chicken Little.... the sky has not fallen! If you believe everything you read in the press, you would think real estate values are plummeting and all of the homes on the Eastside and Seattle are short sales or foreclosures! While the incidences of these events has definitely risen - especially in South King County, don't write the King County Real Estate Market off just yet! The Puget Sound...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than...

Looking for a" bang up" time this 4th? Check out these great events! EASTSIDE Bellevue Family 4th Bellevue Downtown Park 4:30 pm - C-17 Flyover from McChord AFB 6 pm - Live bands begin playing 9:30 pm - Bellevue Philharmonic performance 10:05 pm - Fireworks Display begins www.bellevuedowntown.org Bothell’s Freedom Festival Throughout Bothell 8 am - Pancake Breakfast, Downtown Fire...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. I wish I could say I had to look hard to find these photos, but unfortunately I don't. Here are this weeks gems. Notice the nice dark spot on the floor where the built in flash was obstructed by the lens... and of course no tripod!       This home is on the...

I brought this home to market on April 3rd 2008 for $750,000. By April 17th, we had received multiple offers and the home sold for $760,000! This was great news of course, but my client's referrence was the best part!   “Tony is by far the best real estate agent I have ever worked with. I first met him by recommendation when moving to Redmond in 1998. He was our agent when buying in a...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. I am frequently asked what equipment I use to take photograph the homes I sell. I am a Canon shooter. I have invested several thousand in a good camera body, wide angle lens, several flash units and software to process the photos - which makes sure the homes I sell are shown in their...

The median price for residential homes in King County continues to hold steady!  In spite of “supply vs. demand” that favors a buyer in most areas and price ranges, the median price has shown modest gains this year.  Here is a break down month by month: Month 2008 – Year to date 2007 – Year to...

The following is a list of 2008 Summer Events happening in Seattle and throughout the Eastside. I hope you can get out and enjoy the summer ahead!   June   7-8      Tastin’ n Racin’ - Issaquah, Lk. Samm. Park               www.tastinracin.com    15      ...

My usual statistics are unavailable this week, so we are going to look at something different. As in the past... I will use the great information from Trendgraphix. We are going to chart the Seattle Metro Residential market since February 2007. Here is the trend for homes over the last year. This first chart shows how the inventory has climbed steadily since last year and sales have...

Annual English Hill Garage Sale June 6th & 7thBy: Tony Meier, Redmond RealtorAttention Bargian Hunters! All of English Hill will be on SALE! It's time again for the annual English Hill garage sale! This years event will be held on June 6th & 7th from 9 am to 4 pm. The English Hill Homeowners Association advertises this event in local newspapers, and hangs a banner sign.  This is a...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor   This week's update is coming to you on Tuesday, due to the Memorial Day holiday. I was busy playing with my kids! :-)  This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in...

Usually I post some really pathetic photos from my colleagues here in the Northwest. This week is different. These photos are clearly professional quality. Given the nature of the photo, I would even say the photographer is trying for art. My questions is... are real estate marketing photos supposed to be art? Here is the photo that I came across today... As I have mentioned in some of my...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...

If buying or selling a home is in your future, Tony will help you understand the current market and prepare you for success. He sold our home in 1 day and closed in 21 days using the very latest in internet marketing tools combined with traditional multiple listing services. We haven't had such a pleasant real estate experience ever! Ed & Tricia Hamman - Sold in Mountlake Terrace -...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. This photo was found on our MLS by Chris, one of my co-workers. Not sure what the agent was thinking with this one, but I am there is better way to show off the home.... We can only place 15 photos in the MLS and I have nothing against using a light fixture as one of them. It would be...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. It appears that Seattle is back on the mend with many of the numbers returning to a balanced market. In fact, some areas and price ranges are clearly favoring the seller! When looking at these...

My usual stattistics are unavailable this week, so we are going to look at something different. Thanks to the great information from Trendgraphix, which we subscribe to, we are going to chart the condo market since January 2007. Here is the trend for condos over the last year. This first chart shows how the inventory has climbed steeply since last year and sales have fallen. We  had as much as 64% of...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. My, Oh, My!! What can I say about this photo?? It really is not a poorly taken photograph, like many I post here, but the clutter sure caught my attention!! If your home looks like this I recommend you call my friend Stacey Anderson. She runs an organizing company called Organized Inovations and...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. When I saw the first photo, I thought "WOW that is some serious lens flair!" As I looked on further through this listings photos I found not just more lens flair from shooting straight into the sun but an obviously dirty lens too!  I wonder if the seller of this home...

Well almost... With the temperature at our home in Redmond reaching 80 degrees last Saturday you would have thought spring was in full bloom!  The kids were out playing and we enjoyed a relaxing BBQ at our neighbors home. What a day! Unfortuantely, Sunday came along and we were back in the 50's with rain. I sure am looking forward to summer!! Here are some images that I captured in our yard during...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than...

Tony is by far the best real estate agent I have ever worked with. I first met him by recommendation when moving to Redmond in 1998. He was our agent when buying in a sellers market and helped me find a home in a reasonable time. Now in 2008 we are moving to the East Coast and in a buyers market Tony again helped us market our home and sell it in 13 days. We have been more than satisfied with the results....

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. When you find something really good or in the case REALLY BAD, it is hard to resist finding more of it. This weeks's collage (I am embarrassed to say) comes from one of my colleges at Windermere. Yes, even some Windermere agents suck at photography!!! Okay agents... repeat after...

Spring is in the air. Now is the time to tend to your gardens to make sure they are wonderful when summer arrives!  Here is a garden care checklist: AprilPull winter mulch off gradually as plants show signs of new growth.Feed and prune roses.Divide and transplant summer blooming perennials.Plant tender bulbs & tubers (gladiola, lilies & dahlias).Prune winter Jasmine after flowering.Remove all...

Redmond Listing - Novelty Hill HomeBy: Tony MeierEastside Realtor This grand home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in Eastwood Acres on Novelty Hill. With stately curb appeal, the home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3370 s.f. on a flat & sunny 35,000 s.f. lot! Elegant two story foyer welcomes you in. Formal living room has vaulted ceiling and tile wrapped fireplace. Large dining room with...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. It appears that Seattle is back on the mend with many of the numbers returning to a balanced market. In fact, some areas and price ranges are clearly favoring the seller! When looking at these numbers,...

News from NW Multiple Listing ServiceFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2008 Northwest MLS Brokers Report Stable Prices, “Great Opportunities” for First-time Buyers KIRKLAND, Wash. (April 4, 2008) – Stable housing prices and strong real estate fundamentals are creating an attractive market for buyers, according to officials from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Commenting on just-released...

Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor Here is this week’s installment featuring the photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. I just had to laugh! As I enter my 20th year in real estate, I have never seen a photo like this. There is a phrase in photography... "If you want to take better pictures, get a more interesting subject."  I am not sure this is...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor   This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...

Tony MeierEastside Realtor Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. Where do I start?!? Okay, how about the bad HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing. The light and dark spots all over the photo… bad, bad, bad! The sky looks cool, but otherwise this looks like something out of a book on what not to do with HDR....

Tony is a very creative and result oriented realtor! I was impressed when he sold me a house with his marketing, follow up and professionalism. I had no doubt he would do a great job if I had to sell my house in the very tough market that it is today. Tony delivered instant results...he is very clear about what will work and what will not. He follows up very well. He has a great set of referrals who...

A survey of almost 500 real estate agents commissioned by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors indicates the increasing importance of curb appeal in selling a home. According to the Real Estate Agent Community Trends survey, 82 percent of practitioners polled said buyers unimpressed with a home's exterior will not want to look inside. The results also found that 90 percent of respondents said a sale depends on...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others!...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. We are only allowed 15 photos of a home in the Northwest MLS. How the agent felt the washer and dryer was important enough to make the cut is beyond me!!!??? Additionally, the photos of this home all look to be taken with a cell phone camera. This is a lower priced home in our area, but the...

When you purchase a home, the title company will send you a copy of the title report before closing. The review of this document and all attachments should be a contingency in your contract. Here are some tips on what to look for: Premium / Coverage  -  Are the Sales price and Loan amounts accurate?  Proposed Insured(s)  -  Is buyer’s name spelled exactly as appears on the...

Courtesy of...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. I can only imagine the conversation… Mr & Mrs Seller says “Thanks for taking the photos of our home, but what is the dark black spot on the bottom of each photo?” Agent responds with “I really don’t know. I was wondering the same thing. Oh, well... we’ve got it on the...

In the final installment of cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at two replacement projects that most owners of 20+ year old homes will be looking at. Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Window Replacement   Project Description:  Replace ten 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated vinyl replacement windows. Wrap the exterior trim as required to match. Don't disturb...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. It appears that Seattle is back on the mend with many of the numbers returning to a balanced market. In fact, some areas and price ranges are clearly favoring the seller! When looking at these...

Here we are this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. This photo showcases what I believe is the first recorded history of a nuclear explosion outside of a Seattle area home! Maybe the agent could invest in a couple of flash units and a class to learn how to balance the ambient light? a If you are ready to sell your home and would like...

Thinking of adding on to your abode?  In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at three popular additions that can make your home much more enjoyable! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Family Room Addition   Project Description:  In a style and location appropriate to the house, add a 16-by-25-foot room on a crawlspace foundation with wood siding and...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you...

Here is this week’s installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleagues here in the Northwest. I came across this photo and just had to laugh!  Apparently this agent was just too busy to take the ½ second necessary to try and level the camera! This yard really is not at a 45 degree slant. :-) If you are ready to sell your home and would like top notch photos showcasing it,...

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the bathroom. This is another area that has a dramatic impact on a homes desirability and saleability! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area Bathroom Remodel   Project Description:  Update an existing 5-by-7 foot. Replace all fixtures to include standard-sized tub with ceramic tile...

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates By: Tony Meier Eastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep the following in mind: 1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than...

I really wanted to see the lunar eclipse since we will not have another one until 2010. Catching these events is a "hit or miss" proposition here in Seattle, especially during the winter. I watched the forecast and they said we had a pretty good chance, so I was hopeful! At about 5 p.m. yesterday, I stepped out of my office, looked at the sky and saw that all too familiar site… clouds. With my hopes...

Thinking of remodeling your home?  In this weeks cost vs. value segment we'll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a homes value and general appeal. Afterall, isn't that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area. Minor Kitchen Remodel   Project Description: In a functional but dated...

Septic SystemsBy: Tony MeierEastside Realtor You just bought your dream home!  A fantastic two story on a nice piece of land. You were told that it had a septic system when you bought it, you also had it inspected (right!), now how do you maintain this thing? This question comes frequently and unless you have had septic system before, you may have no idea what to do to keep your system in optimum...

It is Super Bowl weekend. Our house, like millions others will be busy with the festivities. The smell of chili, salsa, beer & chips... all ground into the carpet no less! Good times! :-) In addition to the fun, we will be doing something else this weekend. Certainely not as exciting, but definitely more important!  We will be changing out all the batteries in our smoke detectors.  This is...

Valentines Day will soon be upon us! Just 3 weeks away!  If you are looking for that special spot to take your Valentine this year, check out one of Seattle's best date spots. Make sure you make your reservation early! 1.  94 Stewart Restaurant 94 Stewart St , Seattle , WA , 98101 Hidden on a Pike Place side street, this cozy gem serves bistro favorites made from fresh, local...

The Federal Reserve, in an emergency meeting on Tuesday, slashed the key rate to 3.5 percent, citing a weakening economic outlook. The move marks the Fed's biggest rate cut — three quarters of a point — in more than 20 years. As fears of a recession looms, the Fed said the rate-cut was to help restore confidence in the U.S. economy. “While strains in short-term funding markets have eased somewhat,...