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How Many Real Estate Sales Were in Your Seattle-Eastside Neighborhood in August,
Seattle-eastside real estate sales results were so similar during June, July, and August I could have posted the same report with just a few exceptions each month! Overall, 23% of the available homes sold in August, the same as June and July!
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Eastside+of+Seattle&aq=&sll=47.610377,-122.200679&sspn=0.123598,0.359459&vpsrc=0&g=Bellevue,+WA&ie=UTF8&hq=Eastside+of&hnear=Seattle,+King,+Washington&t=m&ll=47.615847,-122.302272&spn=0.338201,0.11521&output=embed&w=425&h=350]
The only significant change happened in West Bellevue and East Bellevue and the Microsoft area around Redmond. Both these areas had fewer home sales in August than in July. It was most noticeable in the neighborhoods around Microsoft where sales have been consistently strong. In July, 38% of the homes sold and in August the sales numbers dropped back to 24%. The area still had the best return on the eastside, but it was more in line with other eastside neighborhoods.
There’s a good real estate market out there. The last time we saw a similar real estate market was back in the years between 1998-2002. The market during those years was what we considered to be a “normal” market, not a crazy market. Once again, we see a more “normal” market today.
How many homes sold in August, 2011 in your neighborhood?
(The odds of selling a home in each area is a result of the number of homes for sale divided by the actual number of home sales, so if 10 out of 100 homes sold, the odds of selling would be 10/100 or 10%)
The plateau: Sammamish, Issaquah, North Bend, and Fall City
The odds of selling a home were 21%.
Median sales price dropped: $479,895 to $475,000.
There were 725 homes for sale.
A total of 174 homes sold.
Redmond/East Bellevue
The odds of selling a home were 24%.
Median sales price decreased from $494,900 to $479,950.
207 homes were for sale
A total of 60 homes sold.
South Bellevue/Issaquah
The odds of selling a home were 22%.
Median price decreased from $550,000 to $512,225
367 homes were for sale.
A total of 94 homes sold.
Woodinville/Bothell/Kenmore/Duvall/North Kirkland
The odds of selling a home were 23%.
Median price was down from $415,000 to $381,650.
589 homes were for sale.
A total of 148 homes sold.
Kirkland
The odds of selling a home was 22%.
Median price decreased from $641,000 to $595,000.
280 homes were for sale.
A total of 73 homes sold.
West Bellevue
The odds of selling a home were 17%.
Median pricing decreased from $869,000 to $754,500.
169 homes were for sale.
A total of 40 homes sold.
Redmond/Education Hill/ Carnation
The odds of selling a home were 21%
Median pricing decreased from $549,950 to $534,900.
319 homes were for sale.
A total of 79 homes sold.
If you’d like more specific information about your neighborhood or home, feel free to contact me.
Real Estate Sales on Seattle's Eastside Are The Best in Years!
Seattle-eastside real estate sales through August, 2011
The Seattle-eastside real estate market is only getting better and better! August home sales beat July and were way ahead of last August. This August was one of the best real estate markets in years!
Real estate sales were hopping. Thirty-three percent more homes received accepted offers this August than August of 2010. Almost 20% fewer homes were on the market, so less supply + more demand equaled more sales. In August, 22% of the homes for sale on Seattle’s eastside got offers. This means out of the 2811 homes for sale, 609 homes sold. On average, most homes sold within 85 days.
In King County, the number of homes for sale dropped below 10,000 for the first time since last May. Here on the eastside, we’re also seeing the lowest number of homes for sale. More than likely, the peak number of homes for sale was 2879 back in June.
Last month I questioned whether the surge in real estate sales would continue because of the volatility in the stock market. With August sales numbers, we’re seeing the most robust market we’ve seen in a long time. The stock market didn’t put a damper on eastside home sales.
Was your market affected by the stock market “roller coaster?”
There's a Good Real Estate Market in Seattle and on the Eastside
Image via Wikipedia
The real estate market in Seattle and on the eastside is doing well. The Seattle Times just published a great article about something all of us Realtors working in the trenches already know. It’s been good this year and has only gotten better as the year progressed. The article in The Times compares this year to last, but, in fact, this year is the best the real estate market has seen for the past 4 years.
I see the improvement in the real estate market every time I’m in front of the computer checking out the market activity in the NWMLS. Almost every day the number of sales surpasses the number of new listings, always a good thing. Showing activity is pretty consistent for many listings and, if it isn’t, then a home is overpriced. There have been homes selling with (gasp!) multiple offers. And last, but not least, sales numbers are higher, which means buyers are finding homes they’re happy with and think are a good enough value to make an offer. (Note: My comments relate only to those listings that are priced right as there are still many homes languishing on the market.)
The number of homes on the market has already reached its peak for the year. The number just dropped below 11,000 for the first time since May 9th of this year. We’re passed the peak in the number of homes for sale as the peak almost always falls in July of each year. This year the peak happened during the last week in June when there were 11,453 properties for sale in King County.
I expect the stronger real estate market to continue through the year. Many people are surprised when I tell them that September and October can be strong months to sell a home. Of course, our beautiful weather may slow us down for this week as people continue to play in the sun, but I do expect the fall to be an active real estate market.
I’ll be posting more data on the August real estate market as the information becomes available, so stay tuned.
What is your real estate market like now? Have you seen an improvement this year?
Real Estate Sales Continued to be Strong on Seattle's Eastside in July, 2011
Seattle Eastside Real Estate Sales Through July, 2011
The chart above speaks for itself. July real estate sales were going strong on Seattle’s eastside. More homes sold in July than in any month since May, 2010.
Will this surge in real estate sales continue? Since the news regarding the stock market from last week, it remains to be seen if August will hold up to the sales growth we’ve seen since December of last year.
The number of properties for sale in King County still remains low compared to the last few summers when King County had over 14,000 properties for sale. As of August 8th, there were 11,091 properties for sale in King County. Here on the eastside, there were 2863 available properties. If you compare the number of homes for sale on the Eastside this July to last July, there were 17% less homes and condos on the market this year.
In July there were 2863 homes for sale and 646 of these homes received offers and sold. The absorption rate, the number of homes that sold during a month compared to the number for sale, was 22%.
But what’s also important to note is 12% of the sales from June failed. I had reported 661 sales in June, but this month I see only 587 of them stayed together.
The bottom line is more homes are selling than previously, but it’s also hard to keep the sales together. Failed sales can be the result of poor inspections, trouble with the buyer’s financing, an appraisal that does not agree with the sales price or a buyer getting cold feet and backing out.
How is the real estate market doing in your area? Do you see similar trends?
How Strong Were June, 2011 Real Estate Sales on Seattle's Eastside?
Seattle-Eastside Real Estate Sales Through June, 2011
How strong were June, 2011 real estate sales on Seattle’s Eastside? This summer’s real estate market is going to stay stronger than what we usually see during a Seattle summer. Traditionally, the highest number of homes for sale during a year comes near the end of July. With this increased competition, it can make it more challenging to sell your home. Although the number of eastside homes for sale has increased each month, the increase is nothing like the numbers we’ve seen during June of the last few years.
This year, the number of homes for sale is increasing, but at a much slower pace than last year. In King County as a whole, there are 11,320 properties for sale. Last year at the end of July, there were 14,639 properties on the market. This translates to 33% fewer homes on the market in King County this year. On the eastside, there were 15% less homes for sale in June. Since there’s still a great selection of homes for sale, the smaller number of available homes increases the odds of a home selling.
In fact, we had multiple offers on two listings this week alone. I find we have a lot of showings on our listings, so buyers are definitely out there more than they usually are in the summer months.
The number of sales this past month dipped a little from the previous month, but only by 12 homes. In May, we saw the highest number of homes sell in a month so far this year. As a reminder, in April of last year, there’s a very high number of home sales. This was artificially high as buyers tried to “cash in” on the tax credit. This year, the sales numbers are not inflated by any other issue. Real estate sales are fueled by the amount of job hiring in the area and by buyers who are more willing to move on with their lives, literally.
In June 2011, there were 2880 homes for sale and 661 of these homes had offers. The absorption rate, the number of homes that sold during a month compared to the number for sale, was 23%. Almost one quarter of the Seattle eastside homes for sale sold in June.
How is the real estate market doing in your area? Is it as strong as what we’re seeing here or is a little slower.
It Could Be The Difference Between Selling and Not Selling Your Seattle-Eastside Home
“It could be the difference between selling and not selling your Seattle-Eastside Home,” she said while sitting in her friend’s Redmond condo. The “she” is not me, but a home owner who contacted me to talk about selling her home. At one point, our discussion moved towards the things she would need to do before putting her home on the market. I rattled off the usual maintenance and upgrade items, which I’ve recently written about on this blog. She nodded her head. She understood. But instead of the usual comments I get regarding maintenance and upgrades, she knew it didn’t mean her home would sell for more than it’s worth. She knew that handling the maintenance items and some upgrades before her home went on the market simply meant she’d have a better chance of selling her home.
Most of the time when I talk with home sellers, the more common response is: If I do these maintenance and small upgrades, how much more will my home be worth? Most people think doing these items, like cleaning windows, replacing roofs or carpets will net more money than a home is worth. More than likely it won’t. It will, as she said, make the difference between selling and not selling an eastside home.
As an example, a home has to have a roof with 5 years of life left in it in order for a home to qualify for financing. Yes, a home must also qualify, along with the buyer, in order for the loan to go through. Having a good roof or a new roof, will not net more money, it simply will mean a home can sell and the buyer is able to get a loan on the property.
New carpet, as opposed to old, dirty or worn carpet also means the odds of selling a home will increase. Buyers don’t buy homes with old, worn materials. In today’s real estate market, buyers don’t have to. There are a lot of choices out there. Many of the homes are good homes that are priced right and show well. These are the homes that make it into the “sold” category. They are the homes that sell. The homes with deferred maintenance or few upgrades will be in the category of homes that don’t sell.
The Seattle’s eastside real estate market is a different than some other parts of the country. Back east, where I’m from, many homes are older and the expectation for updating and upgrades is not the same. Here on Seattle eastside, the typical buyer is looking for homes that are move-in ready. These buyers have are extremely busy. Some are handy with a hammer, some are not, but most want to move in and not have to think about fixing up a home.
So take a look at the link in the first paragraph. To sell in the eastside market, you’ve got to do some of the things on the maintenance/upgrade list. There’s a whole host of things that should be done before a home goes on the market so the home will net the price it deserves.
Are You Looking For Good Contractors to Help You With Your Seattle-Eastside Home?
Are you looking for good people? Good people are hard to find. I‘ve got good people, good people who can help you take care of your home. Recently, my real estate networking group created a huge list of good contractors for almost anything and everything to do with a home.
As an example, do you have any of the following?
- got stumps to grind (not an ax), but stumps in your yard
- got an oil tank?
- got mold?
- got moles?
- Got pests? (The four legged critter kind)?
Do you need the following?
- A sewer scope?
- Septic system checked or pumped?
- dock permit?
- Well driller?
- Security system?
- Estate salesperson?
- garage salesperson?
- Granite installer?
- painter?
- roofer?
- Furnace technician?
- Garage door fixed?
- Concrete installer?
I have the person(s) for you. Having connections helps me, and you, a lot. Between my personal experience with a number of contractors and my connections to other Realtors and past clients who have great recommendations, I have the list of good people for you and your home!
Contact me if you’ve got a problem or need a service, I have good people for you! By the way, if you know good people, feel free to send them my way. I’m always happy to add to the list.
May Real Estate Sales Were Strong on Seattle's Eastside
Seattle Eastside Residential Real Estate Sales Through May, 2011
On Seattle’s eastside, there have been 6 straight months with an increase in the number of real estate sales. There’s clearly a trend here, although some people do not agree there’s a trend in Seattle real estate. The trend in sales is matched by the slower increase in the number of homes for sale. If you look at May last year, there were 3360 homes for sale on the eastside and this year there were only 2733 homes for sale.
The number of homes that sold in May, 2011 is close to the highest number of sales for last year, which happened in April. Last year sales were inflated by the tax credit. This year there’s no tax credit available. This year’s real estate sales are fueled by buyers who feel comfortable moving forward and purchasing homes because prices are down, they want and need to buy. Interestingly, when I speak with buyers at open houses they tell me they’re seeing some of the good homes moving rather quickly. The buyers are taking notice and buying those homes that are priced well.
In May 2011, there were 2733 homes for sale and 720 of these homes had offers. The absorption rate, the number of homes that sold during a month compared to the number for sale, was 26%. One-fourth of the Seattle eastside homes for sale sold in May.
How is the real estate market doing in your area?
Spend a Little Money on your Home to Make More Money When You Sell Your Home
If you spend a little money to fix up your home, it will help you make more money when you sell. The little things can help you dress up your home and give you a lot more bang for the buck. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, there are some easy and inexpensive ways to give your home a newer feel. In the eastside neighborhoods of Seattle, it’s important to do some of these updates because buyers still have a lot of homes to choose from. Plus, buyers always think it’s harder to make updates than it really is and it will cost them more to do than it really does cost. This could mean the buyers make a lower offer or they don’t make an offer at all. I always tell my sellers when the buyers walk into the entry, you don’t want the first thing they think to be: “I have to change that brass chandelier in the entryway.” Your goal should be to have the buyers walk in and focus on the home, not something that needs an update. Eliminate an old light fixture before it becomes an issue.
Recently, I made the trip to Home Depot and Seattle Eastside’s Crescent Lighting Store with one of my clients. My goal for this home was to update it with some great looking fixtures, but in as economical way as possible. The home is in excellent condition and shows well, but some new fixtures would dress it up beautifully. The fixtures below are great for traditional homes and work well for homes in the Seattle area that are below the $650,000 price point. More expensive homes may command more expensive fixtures. When you go looking for fixtures, take some photos of your spaces and the existing fixtures. It will help you to pick out the right style for your home.
Below are some of the plumbing and lighting fixtures we picked out:
Chrome Faucet- good for updating a bathroom
Brushed Nickel Faucets
The lighting fixtures should relate well to one another and share a similar style. If you buy brushed nickel lights, then all of the fixtures should match with a brushed nickel feel. The same should happen with the shades or glass bowls. Many of the bowls today are a smooth frosted look. Again, all of the lighting should have the same glass look. Talk with some of the people working in the store and have them help you to choose lighting that comes from a similar line and works well together.
Kitchen light fixture to update a home
Entry Light that will dress up a home
Dining Room Light Fixture
The total cost for this project was about $500.00. It is $500.00 that is very well spent and will add that finishing touch to a great home. Can you think of some other inexpensive ways to dress up a home?
The Positive Real Estate Market on Seattle's Eastside Continued in April, 2011
Seattle Eastside Real Estate Sales Through April, 2011
Seattle-eastside real estate is looking good! The trend continues to be the most positive in the last four years. This positive market means this a good, but very realistic market. Some homes are selling within a week, others take longer, and some do not sell. In reality, it’s a balanced market in which the homes that sell quickly do so because of price and/or condition.
The usual spring spike in the number of homes for sale has also not happened so far this year. Last year in April there almost 450 more homes for sale on Seattle’s eastside than this past April.
In April 2011, there were 2634 homes for sale and 654 had offers. The number 464 in the last column on the chart shows how many homes sold and closed in April. In order for these sales to close in April, the offers would been accepted in February or March with an April closing date.
The absorption rate, the number of homes that sold during a particular month when compared to the number for sale, was 25%. One-fourth of the Seattle eastside homes for sale sold in April.
Are you seeing less “for sale” signs in your neighborhood? What about “sold” signs?
