Community Info April 11, 2024

South Snohomish County Market Report – Q1 2024

After an almost two-year journey of recovery and stabilization since the spring 2022 correction, the market has started to experience solid price appreciation. The median price in Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023 shows that despite interest rates remaining stubborn, buyer demand is returning to the market. Improved consumer confidence and acclimation to lending costs have caused price growth, especially amongst tight inventory levels.

New listings are slowly increasing over 2023 as pent-up seller demand meets the market. Equity levels across our region are strong, providing favorable returns for home sellers. Many experts predict interest rates to gradually fall in 2024, estimating they will reach the mid to lower 6% range later this year. While the cost of lending still has some buyers sidelined, many are forging ahead now.

Life changes often determine a move. It is my goal to help empower strong decisions by assessing my client’s lifestyle and financial goals amidst real-time market trends and conditions. Whether you have considered selling, buying, or both, or you’re just curious about the market, please reach out.

 

Community Info April 11, 2024

North King County Market Report – Q1 2024

After an almost two-year journey of recovery and stabilization since the spring 2022 correction, the market has started to experience solid price appreciation. The median price in Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023 shows that despite interest rates remaining stubborn, buyer demand is returning to the market. Improved consumer confidence and acclimation to lending costs have caused price growth, especially amongst tight inventory levels.

New listings are slowly increasing over 2023 as pent-up seller demand meets the market. Equity levels across our region are strong, providing favorable returns for home sellers. Many experts predict interest rates to gradually fall in 2024, estimating they will reach the mid to lower 6% range later this year. While the cost of lending still has some buyers sidelined, many are forging ahead now.

Life changes often determine a move. It is my goal to help empower strong decisions by assessing my client’s lifestyle and financial goals amidst real-time market trends and conditions. Whether you have considered selling, buying, or both, or you’re just curious about the market, please reach out.

 

Community Info April 11, 2024

Eastside Market Report – Q1 2024

After an almost two-year journey of recovery and stabilization since the spring 2022 correction, the market has started to experience solid price appreciation. The median price in Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023 shows that despite interest rates remaining stubborn, buyer demand is returning to the market. Improved consumer confidence and acclimation to lending costs have caused price growth, especially amongst tight inventory levels.

New listings are slowly increasing over 2023 as pent-up seller demand meets the market. Equity levels across our region are strong, providing favorable returns for home sellers. Many experts predict interest rates to gradually fall in 2024, estimating they will reach the mid to lower 6% range later this year. While the cost of lending still has some buyers sidelined, many are forging ahead now.

Life changes often determine a move. It is my goal to help empower strong decisions by assessing my client’s lifestyle and financial goals amidst real-time market trends and conditions. Whether you have considered selling, buying, or both, or you’re just curious about the market, please reach out.

 

Community Info April 11, 2024

Seattle Metro Market Report – Q1 2024

After an almost two-year journey of recovery and stabilization since the spring 2022 correction, the market has started to experience solid price appreciation. The median price in Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023 shows that despite interest rates remaining stubborn, buyer demand is returning to the market. Improved consumer confidence and acclimation to lending costs have caused price growth, especially amongst tight inventory levels.

New listings are slowly increasing over 2023 as pent-up seller demand meets the market. Equity levels across our region are strong, providing favorable returns for home sellers. Many experts predict interest rates to gradually fall in 2024, estimating they will reach the mid to lower 6% range later this year. While the cost of lending still has some buyers sidelined, many are forging ahead now.

Life changes often determine a move. It is my goal to help empower strong decisions by assessing my client’s lifestyle and financial goals amidst real-time market trends and conditions. Whether you have considered selling, buying, or both, or you’re just curious about the market, please reach out.

 

Community Info April 11, 2024

North Snohomish County Market Report – Q1 2024

After an almost two-year journey of recovery and stabilization since the spring 2022 correction, the market has started to experience solid price appreciation. The median price in Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023 shows that despite interest rates remaining stubborn, buyer demand is returning to the market. Improved consumer confidence and acclimation to lending costs have caused price growth, especially amongst tight inventory levels.

New listings are slowly increasing over 2023 as pent-up seller demand meets the market. Equity levels across our region are strong, providing favorable returns for home sellers. Many experts predict interest rates to gradually fall in 2024, estimating they will reach the mid to lower 6% range later this year. While the cost of lending still has some buyers sidelined, many are forging ahead now.

Life changes often determine a move. It is my goal to help empower strong decisions by assessing my client’s lifestyle and financial goals amidst real-time market trends and conditions. Whether you have considered selling, buying, or both, or you’re just curious about the market, please reach out.

 

Community Info April 11, 2024

South King County Market Report – Q1 2024

After an almost two-year journey of recovery and stabilization since the spring 2022 correction, the market has started to experience solid price appreciation. The median price in Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2023 shows that despite interest rates remaining stubborn, buyer demand is returning to the market. Improved consumer confidence and acclimation to lending costs have caused price growth, especially amongst tight inventory levels.

New listings are slowly increasing over 2023 as pent-up seller demand meets the market. Equity levels across our region are strong, providing favorable returns for home sellers. Many experts predict interest rates to gradually fall in 2024, estimating they will reach the mid to lower 6% range later this year. While the cost of lending still has some buyers sidelined, many are forging ahead now.

Life changes often determine a move. It is my goal to help empower strong decisions by assessing my client’s lifestyle and financial goals amidst real-time market trends and conditions. Whether you have considered selling, buying, or both, or you’re just curious about the market, please reach out.

 

Monthly Newletter April 2, 2024

Monthly Newsletter 04/01/2024

As I am sure you have heard on the news, there is a proposed settlement agreement for the NAR (National Association of Realtors) Class Action Lawsuit. It has certainly stirred up plenty of headlines that have been glossy, and in many cases, inaccurate. Many of the reports and headlines have been national and it is important to note that WA state is unique and could have far fewer changes than the rest of the country if the settlement is approved.

The majority of the MLS’s (Multiple Listing Services) across the country are owned by NAR and our NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service) in WA, is not. NWMLS is not included in the settlement agreement as they are not NAR-owned. If the settlement is approved, they can choose to opt in, which is undecided at this point as it will require a vote of their board of directors.

In WA, new laws were enacted on January 1, 2024 that address many aspects that the settlement agreement is proposing. For years, WA brokers and NWMLS have been committed to elevating transparency around broker compensation, resulting in brokers in WA already doing business as many of the new proposals in the settlement agreement suggest. You can refer to the newsletter I sent out in early February that outlines the new laws that went into place on Jan 1. I am also happy to report that practicing under these new laws has been positive and productive for consumers and brokers alike.

The proposed settlement agreement still needs to be approved by the court. Once that is done, I will report back to explain how it will affect real estate operations in WA state. In the meantime, I also want to report that market activity in Q1 2024 has been positive!

Price growth is up, buyer demand is strong, and inventory remains low. Seller equity is soaring, with home equity in King County averaging 60% and 57.5% in Snohomish County. These figures were reported in December 2023 and don’t account for the price growth we’ve seen in Q1. Interest rates are still hovering around the high 6% and are predicted to come down this year, yet remain volatile and stubborn. Please reach out if you or someone you know would like to learn more. It is always my goal to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

 You’re invited to our annual Paper Shredding Event & Food Drive. We partner with Confidential Data Disposal (CDDshred.com) to provide a safe, eco-friendly way to reduce your paper trail and help prevent identity theft.

Saturday, April 13th, 10AM to 2PM (or until the trucks are full)
4211 Alderwood Mall Blvd, Lynnwood
Bring your sensitive documents to be professionally destroyed on-site. Limit 10 file boxes per visitor.

This is a paper-only event. No x-rays, electronics, recyclables, or any other materials.

We will also be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations to benefit Volunteers of America Western Washington food banks. Donations are not required, but are appreciated.

Hope to see you there!

Monthly Newletter March 9, 2024

Monthly Newsletter 03/08/2024

When Punxsutawney Phill climbed up to his perch at Gobblers Knob on February 2nd and did not see his shadow, an early spring was predicted. Little did we know that he would be referring to the real estate market! As we experience temps in the 30s and scattered snow showers in the first week of March, we are also experiencing a white-hot seller’s market.We started 2024 with the lowest amount of inventory we have seen since the beginning of 2022. Over the last 2 years, we have experienced a correction and recovery in the real estate market due to inflation and interest rates. The market peaked in April 2022 in Snohomish County when the median price reached $830,000, and in May 2022 in King County when prices reached $1M. Prices started to correct when rates crested 5% in April 2022 and then found themselves squarely at 7% by October 2022. This rapid 2-point increase put downward pressure on prices and stalled buyer and seller demand.Loan servicing affordability caused prices to bottom out in Snohomish County in February 2023 at $685,000, and in King County in January 2023 at $800,000. The bulk of the correction took place in 2022, and 2023 was the year of resetting price stability and the return of appreciation. What was fascinating about this growth is that interest rates still averaged around 7% throughout 2023.  In Snohomish County prices were up 6% in February 2024 over February 2023, and in King County they were up 16%, and rates are still hanging around 7%. Since the first of the year, it was like a switch went off for many buyers and demand flooded the market. The feedback that I am hearing is that many buyers have adapted to the new normal of interest rates and will refinance when rates come down; but they want to buy now. The increase in buyer demand coupled with the lowest inventory we’ve seen in two years has caused a flurry of multiple offers, price escalations, and an early start to the spring market.Now that we are certain buyers are back, the next effective change in the market would be the addition of more inventory. This would meet the demand and create more movement in the market. We are well aware that many homeowners are reluctant to make a move because they don’t want to give up their low rate/payment. We also know that because of this, many would-be sellers are living in homes that do not match their needs and wants. This pent-up seller demand is starting to come to market, but more is needed. The average level of equity in Snohomish County was reported at the end of 2023 at 57.5% and in King County at 60%. With the recent uptick in median price, this level is growing, which will allow many sellers to move their equity into a home that better fits their lifestyle. This growth should also be supported by interest rates slowly coming down throughout 2024.  The latest predictions from the Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) have rates decreasing to 6% by the end of 2024 which will only add to buyer demand, highlighting the need for more listings. If you are a homeowner and your house is not matching your life, now might be the time to consider a move! What has already transpired in the first 2 months of 2024 has been encouraging for seller gains. Writing a playbook and creating a strategy to make these transitions requires a well-curated plan. It is my mission and passion to help clients make these moves. There can be challenges to overcome along the way, such as does one sell or buy first and how to do you get your home ready for market. Tools such as the Windermere Bridge LoanThe Windermere Ready Loan, and other alternative financing have helped make these dreams become a reality. That is why hiring a professional who is well-versed in market knowledge, creative planning, expert marketing, and keen negotiations is key!  Please reach out if you or someone you know is curious about the market and how it relates to your financial and lifestyle goals. Real estate reflects life and if there is one constant in life, it is change! Helping people match their homes to their lives is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. The adjustments over the past two years got in the way of many people making those matches. As the market and consumer confidence continue to open up, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. It is my goal to help keep my clients well-informed and empower strong decisions whether that works for you now or sometime down the road. Let’s talk it out, dig deep into the trends, and start your strategic planning with no pressure.

 You’re invited to our annual Paper Shredding Event & Food Drive. We partner with Confidential Data Disposal (CDDshred.com) to provide a safe, eco-friendly way to reduce your paper trail and help prevent identity theft. Saturday, April 13th, 10AM to 2PM (or until the trucks are full)4211 Alderwood Mall Blvd, LynnwoodBring your sensitive documents to be professionally destroyed on-site. Limit 10 file boxes per visitor. This is a paper-only event. No x-rays, electronics, recyclables, or any other materials. We will also be collecting non-perishable food and cash donations to benefit Volunteers of America Western Washington food banks. Donations are not required, but are appreciated.Hope to see you there!
Monthly Newletter February 16, 2024

Monthly Newsletter – 02/14/2024

Effective January 1, 2024, the statute in Washington that governs real estate brokerage relationships (RCW 18.86) otherwise known as the “Agency Law” – was significantly revised. The revisions modernize the 25-year-old law, provide additional transparency and consumer protections, and acknowledge the importance of buyer representation.KEY REVISIONSFor decades, real estate brokerage firms were only required to enter into written agency agreements with sellers, not buyers. The Agency Law now requires firms to enter into a written “brokerage services agreement” (agency agreements) with any party the firm represents, both sellers and buyers.This change is to ensure that buyers (in addition to sellers) clearly understand the terms of the firm’s representation and compensation, much like a listing agreement. The new agreements are called Buyer Brokerage Service Agreements (BBSA) and they are to be initiated in writing prior to or upon rendering real estate brokerage services, such as showing homes.The services agreement with buyers must include:

  • The term of the agreement (with a default term of 60 days and an option for a longer term);
  • The name of the broker appointed to be the buyer’s agent;
  • Whether the agency relationship is exclusive or non-exclusive;
  • Whether the buyer consents to the individual broker representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction (referred to as “limited dual agency”);
  • Whether the buyer consents to the broker’s designated broker/managing broker’s limited dual agency;
  • The amount the firm will be compensated and who will pay the compensation; and
  • Any other agreements between the parties.
Clearly communicated expectations between the buyer and their broker are an advantage to the buyer. Every party deserves representation and it has been a long time coming for the law to pay as much attention to buyers as it has to sellers. Having competent representation on both sides of a transaction makes the process go smoother and reduces liability during and after the transaction. After all, everyone deserves competent representation during one of the biggest transactions they will partake in.These changes are intended to elevate transparency in agency relationships for the consumer and encourage more detailed conversations about representation, compensation, and the overall home buying process with the broker they chose to align with. This will also cause sellers to gain a better understanding of how buyer brokers are compensated.What a seller chooses to offer a buyer broker could have a positive effect on their return. The only way a buyer can compensate their broker is with liquid cash or negotiating with the seller within the purchase and sale agreement when their BBSA doesn’t match the seller-offered compensation for the buyer broker. If their BBSA matches what the seller is offering in the listing for the buyer broker compensation, then the buyer does not have to rely on the prior.Compensation offered in a listing that mirrors the BBSA will allow a buyer to solely focus on the offer price of the home as they will not have to calculate the math of the compensation against their down-payment funds, as lending regulations do not allow for broker compensation to be financed. If a buyer has to set aside funds for compensation it would likely reduce their down payment amount which would increase their monthly payment and make them more price sensitive. It will also eliminate the compounding effect of compensation and the offer price being simultaneously negotiated.I have always run my business in a very detailed fashion and pride myself on having a deep knowledge of the laws and the forms, and these changes are paramount. As an independent contractor affiliated with Windermere Real Estate, the leading company in our region, it is up to me to dig into the research and gain understanding to help guide my clients through these advancements in a compliant and service-oriented fashion. There are even aspects of these new laws that I have been practicing before the changes, as transparency is a cornerstone of my value to my clients.These are the biggest changes we have seen in our industry in over two decades. Be aware that not all brokers will adapt as quickly or accurately. We are already seeing a gross difference between the informed and not informed; who one chooses to work with matters! If you have any further questions about how these new laws affect you, please reach out. If you are considering a move, I am committed to navigating the process with the utmost compliance and my client’s success at the forefront.REVISED PAMPHLET: The pamphlet entitled “Real Estate Brokerage in Washington” provides an overview of the revised Agency Law.REVISED AGENCY LAW: Substitute Senate Bill 5191 sets forth the revised Agency Law in its entirety.
The Windermere Foundation has been in place since 1989 and is a cornerstone of Windermere’s connection to our communities beyond selling real estate. Over the last 34 years, the Windermere Foundation has raised and donated over $53 Million to support non-profit organizations dedicated to helping low-income and homeless families. We are intentional about affiliating with organizations that are rooted in helping people create and obtain shelter and services as we believe everyone deserves a place to call home.Within the $3,769,294 that was provided in 2023, our office contributed towards that total. We donate a portion of every transaction that closes in our office and we execute some special projects throughout every year.We ran multiple food drives in 2023 with Volunteers of America of Snohomish County. We also partnered with Washington Kids in Transition over the holiday season to provide Christmas gifts to children in need in the Edmonds School District. Additionally, we partnered with Pioneer Human Services to provide grocery gift cards to families in need during the holidays. These special projects are near and dear to our hearts. Thank you to our clients who supported our business in 2023 and moving forward, as it provides the opportunity to continue to give back to the communities that we serve.
Monthly Newletter January 25, 2024

Monthly Newsletter – 01/25/2024

Last week, my office hosted our 16th Annual Economic Forecast Event featuring Matthew Gardner. Matthew is a sought-after economist focused on the national and local economies and has a deep understanding of the housing market across the country and right in our own backyard. He is an economic advisor for the State of Washington, Governors Council, lectures on real estate economics at the University of Washington, and is found quoted in various media outlets throughout the year as a respected expert. He is certainly a trusted real estate advisor that I look to to stay informed to help educate my clients.The event was virtual and I have the recording and his PowerPoint in a PDF that I am happy to share with you, please reach out if you would like me to email it to you. So much was shared in his 60-minute presentation that was focused on the national economy and a deep dive into both King and Snohomish Counties, followed by Q & A. I can’t quite cover it all here, but here are some highlights! 1. Inflation levels have dropped from their peak and are now tracking with more normalized levels. This has caused interest rates to start to drop, which is a trend he sees continuing in 2024.

2. The U.S. unemployment rate measured at 3.8% at the end of 2023 and is forecasted to rise ever so slightly and remain under the long-term average of 4.5%. In King and Snohomish Counties the unemployment rate averaged 4% at the end of 2023.

3. There is a major labor gap in both King and Snohomish Counties, with job postings heavily outweighing labor supply. Biotech is the darling of the moment which will balance out the IT side in the overall jobs picture.

4. Interest rates are predicted to gradually decrease throughout 2024 as inflation softens. The Fed will slow-play these reductions to get them right, so they do not have to raise them again.

5. The Tri-County area of Snohomish-King-Pierce Counties had massive organic population growth from 2020-2022, much of which was international vs. domestic.

6. Homeowner equity averages 60% in King County and 57.5% in Snohomish County. According to the median price in King County in December 2023 that is $511,200 and $391,000 in Snohomish County. Homeownership proves to have the strongest impact on household wealth.

7. There will NOT be a bubble in the housing market! Given that prices remained stable in 2023 amongst the highest interest rates we’ve seen in two decades along with inflation at a high, the housing market has proven to be a fortuitous economic marker. Rates and inflation are both improving, which will bode well for home values. Our biggest challenge is the lack of inventory and affordability. 8. Price growth in King and Snohomish Counties was flat year-over-year (2022 to 2023) after massive growth from 2020-2022, which was positive given the correction in prices and rise in interest rates. Prices are forecasted to modestly increase in 2024. Tight inventory and continued buyer demand will drive this growth while interest rates temper.

Please reach out if you would like to learn more and receive the documents and recording. Also, you can count on me to follow the trends, statistics, and rhythm of the market throughout the year. It is my goal to gain knowledge and understanding so I can help keep you informed. This level of service helps empower my clients to make thoughtful, sound decisions when navigating their investments and big life choices.