Let’s start by reviewing what took place in the 2010 Puget Sound residential real estate market. Last year experienced a “surge/unsurge” with sales surging in first quarter thanks to historically low-interest rates and the Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit. But when the tax credit expired on April 30th, 2010, home sales took a dramatic drop.

Sales remained sluggish, but as the year progressed, inventory levels began to lower. By the end of 2010 the three-county area of King, Snohomish, and Pierce reported about six months of inventory, which is a positive indicator (based on pending sales). read more »

If you are a home seller, you undoubtedly want to get your home sold at the best price in a time frame that meets your individual needs best. As such, one of the most important things you can do to get your home sold is to have it staged. Staging highlights your home’s best features and helps to minimize any drawbacks. It allows potential buyers to visualize themselves in your home without distraction. read more »

With the news that interest rates on a 30-year fixed *conforming loan have dropped below five percent, as chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, I feel compelled to alert consumers to the fact that now is an opportune time for them to make their move on a home purchase or refinance.

Even with speculation that interest rates could drop further, there’s no guarantee that will happen or that rates will even remain at their current level. read more »

When selling a home, there are five “rights” that every seller needs to know about to ensure a successful sale: house right, yard right, price right, marketing right, and the right Realtor. This issue I will discuss the importance of pricing and marketing your home right. read more »

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are 5.3 million more women in the United States than men. By 2050, it is estimated that there will be approximately 6.9 million more women than men. And more and more of these women are single — and buying homes. Realtors, builders, and community planners are starting to take notice of this increasing population of homeowners and the demographic shift single women are having on housing. read more »

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are 5.3 million more women in the United States than men. By 2050, it is estimated that there will be approximately 6.9 million more women than men. And more and more of these women are single — and buying homes. Realtors, builders, and community planners are starting to take notice of this increasing population of homeowners and the demographic shift single women are having on housing. read more »

A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors reported that 23 percent of all residential real-estate transactions in the U.S. last year were purchased by investors, rather than buyers looking for a place to live. Around the Puget Sound area, the combination of low housing inventory and low interest rates has resulted in a booming market that’s ripe for the picking for real estate investors. According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, the average price of single-family homes rose more than 12 percent in 2004 in Kitsap County. read more »

As a parent it can be extremely rewarding to help your children buy their first home - often times your assistance is what is able to make their dream of homeownership a reality. There are a variety of ways you can go about helping your children, ranging from gifting them money for a down payment, to loaning them money at a low interest rate, or purchasing the home for them outright. It all comes down to your personal situation and financial circumstances. read more »

Summer is right around the corner and with it comes the opportunity to catch up on home maintenance both inside and outside of your home. Ongoing upkeep of your home can prevent unexpected problems, while protecting your most valued asset. read more »