Embarking on a home renovation is exciting, but choosing the wrong contractor can lead to costly mistakes. In my latest guide, I outline seven common pitfalls to avoid when hiring a contractor, including skipping research, choosing based solely on price, and neglecting to verify credentials. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your renovation stays on track and within budget. Remember, your home is one of your biggest investments, and taking the time to hire the right contractor is essential for a successful project. Ready to get started? Reach out today for trusted referrals and a free consultation!
Read MoreIn The Market - Moving Toward a More Even Playing Field
There have been some pronounced changes in the market since mid-May of 2018. Prior to this May, real estate professionals had become accustomed to short market times, huge price increases and multiple offers.
Read MoreReal Estate Update
Seasonal slowdown in some areas, but expect price hikes to continue in much of Washington.
Read MoreReal Estate Updates
As you may have heard, Seattle is now the nation's fastest growing city. We have thousands of people moving to Seattle, but not enough housing to meet the demand. With the upcoming growth of our tech industry, this trend will continue.
Read MoreAmazing Appreciation
A real life example of how much a home's value can increase in just 3 years in our region!
Read MoreReal Estate Update
LIST IT AND THEY WILL COME...
...and it will sell quickly with a few caveats. The house needs to be appropriately priced and prepared, show well, and have a good location.
Western Washington’s “high velocity” market has continued through 2017 with the number of pending sales in King County (2,673) outgaining the number of new listings (2,389). Properties are moving at an unbelievably fast pace. Interest rates are ticking up slightly and there is steadily increasing demand due to new people moving to the area. As a homebuyer, it appears that getting into the market sooner rather than later would be in your best interest. The good news is that Spring is when we see the most listings come on the market. The challenge for buyers is they are selling very fast with multiple offers.
The housing inventory has reached a record low. At the end of February there were 9,091 active listings in the NWMLS which encompasses 23 counties. This represents a drop of nearly 25% from the year-ago total of 12,107. Home buyers and sellers are complaining equally about the current market’s low inventory. Sellers are frustrated when they cannot find another home to match their current needs. Buyers are also frustrated when a home goes off the market so fast that they don’t have the chance to make an offer on it.
Not surprisingly, given the imbalance in supply and demand, prices continue to rise. The median price for single family homes that sold in King County in February was $502,000, up more than 14 percent from the year-ago sales price of $439,950. As a seller, this market is one of the best we have seen in which to sell your home.
Typically, more people get engaged in the real estate market as the weather warms and the days get longer. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, now would be the time to start getting prepared for what looks to be another busy year in the Puget Sound real estate market.
