buy today – Kerstin G. Brooks, Broker

Has the Seattle Housing Market Gone Nuts? Yes! But why?

The market sure has heated up. Prices are going up and multiple buyers are competing for the few houses available.
So what’s going on?
– Seattle Unemployment is Low:
In February the Seattle area’s unemployment rate hit its lowest level since September 2008 at 5.1%.
– Consumer Confidence is High:
Confidence is now at a new post-Financial Crisis high.
– Mortgage Rates are Still Attractive:
Current interest rates are roughly on par with where they were in August 2011 and still two points below the 6.41% average rate during the height of the housing bubble through 2006
– Limited Supply of Homes Available for Sale:
There is about a 1.8 month supply of homes for sale in King County. A 4-6 month supply is needed for a balanced market between home buyers and sellers. We are NOT in a balanced market – we have a strong seller’s market.

Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team – First Quarter Newsletter 2013

As we are well into 2013, we are thankful for all of our past clients, current clients and the opportunities we have living in this wonderful area. Now to the market update… State of the Market and Home Values: After years of grave losses, home values finally started to increase in the latter part ofContinue reading “Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team – First Quarter Newsletter 2013”

Houses for Pennies on the Dollar? Really?

Many buyers have heard that Seattle real estate is more affordable than ever. Yes, prices have dropped quite substantially but when I hear people saying or I read articles about “Houses for Pennies on the Dollar” I get a little perturbed. We have had a few people contact us with unrealistic expectations about what theyContinue reading “Houses for Pennies on the Dollar? Really?”

Your buying opportunities are endless !

Buy now – don’t wait. A lot of buyers are saying they want to buy but they are waiting until prices hit rock bottom. First, it is really hard to tell when the market has hit bottom. It does not matter if we are talking about gold, stocks or homes here. Trying to time theContinue reading “Your buying opportunities are endless !”