Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell last week to a record low, the ninth time that has happened in the last year. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the rate on the 30-year loan dropped to 3.87 percent. That is below the previous record of 3.88 hit two weeks ago. The average [...]

We have reason to believe 2012 will be a good year for an improving residential real estate market in Seattle and surrounds. Here are some compelling facts: ·  Sales in our regional market increased by 35% in 2011 ·  Our team sales volume increased by 65% in 2011

Seattle is home to one of the oldest and longest-running farmer’s markets, Pike Place. Since August 17, 1907, Seattleites and visitors have bought fresh, local produce, seafood and sundries year-round at Pike Place Market. That our city grew up around these markets featuring the best from local farmers, it only stands to reason many Seattle [...]

Our region’s year over year real estate sales have increased by 36.2 percent, according to Kirkland-based Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). One of the sub-markets with vigorous activity is North Seattle. The number of homes currently in escrow nearly matches

As a follow up to our November post about Seattle’s 10 hottest neighborhoods, we thought it important for everyone to know it’s not all about the north end. While some neighborhoods may have shorter selling times, other neighborhoods may have more ammenities, better commute proximity and greater affordability. Here are our top five affordable in-city neighborhood picks: 5.) Georgetown [...]

When first-time home buyers decide they are ready to buy, it is important for them to begin the process by carefully assessing their values, wants, and needs—both for the short and long term. This is a critical step since consultation sessions normally start with defining a buyers’ values. Afterward, buyers can explore their wants and [...]

This is a story about finding that proverbial “needle in a haystack.” Our current Seattle housing inventory is becoming increasingly lean, making it that much more challenging to find one’s ideal home. Of course the more specific the home, the greater the challenge. In this case, we had relocation buyers who desired either a mid-century modern or a modern newer construction, single family home. Every now [...]

San Francisco is the only U.S. city where homes sell faster than they do in Seattle. Neighborhoods where homes are selling faster also have lost less value over the past five years. Homes may be selling faster because they’re holding their value better or holding their value because they’re more popular (and, so, selling faster). [...]

Break out your sweaters and turn up the thermostat, winter is on its way back. As a reminder, be sure to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 6.Here are ten tips to help you prepare your home for winter:1) Furnace Inspection Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts. [...]

We recently received numerous questions from clients regarding postcard information the county tax assessor’s office sends to local homeowners around this time each year. The county’s system for assessing values is quite different than actual market value. Let’s start by ruling out what does not determine a home’s fair market value: