Page not found – Real Estate https://kristivellema.com Real Estate Tue, 05 Mar 2024 23:22:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 My Bio https://kristivellema.com/2024/03/05/my-bio https://kristivellema.com/2024/03/05/my-bio#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2024 23:22:08 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28407 ABOUT KRISTI I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business - thank you for reading! I was raised by parents whose families emigrated from The Netherlands to find a better life in the U.S. Their work ethic was passed on to me and my siblings. We grew some of our own food and raised animals. […]

The post My Bio appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
Kristi Vellema

ABOUT KRISTI

I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business - thank you for reading! I was raised by parents whose families emigrated from The Netherlands to find a better life in the U.S. Their work ethic was passed on to me and my siblings. We grew some of our own food and raised animals. I taught myself to ride horses while still young and cared for newborn calves and my brood of horses. Those efforts as a child stayed with me to adulthood and are now demonstrated as I collaborate with buyers and sellers. My goal is to always work diligently to negotiate the best price and terms possible for my client's homes while keeping the process as stress-free as possible.

My parents owned a construction company and that's when I realized I loved the construction industry. My dream of building my own home became a reality in 1998 and again in 2004. Since then, I have managed another 10 remodels. The knowledge I gained from those experiences has really been helpful during my years as a Realtor. When showing homes, I can spot problems and recommend solutions. When a client needs a good tradesman, I am often asked for a referral.

In my free time, I love to hike, golf, pet-sit, and travel to exotic destinations. I also volunteer with The Forgotten Children's Fund at M-Bar-C Ranch. If you’d like to learn more about them, click here: https://forgottenchildrensfund.org/mbarc-ranch.

Icon Color

derr

The post My Bio appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2024/03/05/my-bio/feed 0
Local Market Update – October 2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/10/12/local-market-update-october-2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/10/12/local-market-update-october-2023#respond Thu, 12 Oct 2023 23:04:41 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28333 With the fall season finally upon us, the behavior of the housing market is like the range in outdoor temperatures: somewhere between warm to cool. There’s a lower overall volume of home sales than in recent years, but at the same times buyers are moving quickly and assertively on highly desired properties, despite higher interest […]

The post Local Market Update – October 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

With the fall season finally upon us, the behavior of the housing market is like the range in outdoor temperatures: somewhere between warm to cool. There’s a lower overall volume of home sales than in recent years, but at the same times buyers are moving quickly and assertively on highly desired properties, despite higher interest rates.

Although these interest rates could make it more difficult for sellers to see significant price gains in the near future, the high demand for homes after a prolonged inventory drought in our region is likely to keep buyer activity on accurately priced listings unseasonably warm.

Overall, buyers and sellers are likely to experience this fall as something of a transitional period. The market has slowed considerably after the frenzy of the pandemic, and interest rates have yet to stabilize. It’s most likely that the market will remain slow until sometime in the new year, at which point either interest rates will have dropped slightly, buyers will be better equipped to manage them, or sidelined sellers will grow tired of waiting.

Despite a September slowdown in home sales, King County did see price gains for residential listings and condos. The median price for single-family homes increased about 3% year-over-year, from $875,000 in September 2022 to $900,000 last month. Around one-third of listings in the county sold over list price last month, in an average of just 6 days. Properties that sold at list price spent around 10 days on the market. Condos rose a more noticeable 7% in September, from $483,000 to $515,000.

The Seattle residential market also saw modest price gains, with the median sold price of single-family homes increasing from $900,000 last September to $926,000 this September.. Around 29% of listings sold over list price, in an average of 5 days. Those that sold at list price spent a slightly longer 11 days on market, however this still indicates that buyers are prepared to move quickly on properties that are accurately priced. Condos in the city also saw a respectable 10% price increase year-over-year, rising from $499,000 in September 2022 to $550,000 last month. With nearly 3 month’s inventory, the Seattle condo market may have the highest inventory rate and be the most balanced market in the region at this time.

On the Eastside, prices crept up around 6% from $1,350,000 in September 2022 to $1,427,500 last month. Demand is still high in the area, with 32% of listings selling above list price, averaging just 5 days on market. Those that sold at their list price were purchased within 6 days. Condos on the Eastside saw decent year-over-year price growth, increasing 7% from $580,000 last year to $620,000 last month.

Homes in Snohomish County saw the smallest yearly price increase, rising just 2% from $735,000 in September 2022 to $749,900 last month. Despite this lower rate of price growth, about 31% of homes sold above listing price, averaging only 6 days on the market. Those that sold at listing price spent a bit longer on the market, averaging 13 days. The condo market in Snohomish is the only niche market in the region that saw a price decrease compared to last year. In September 2022, the median price was $539,500. Last month, prices decreased about 8%, landing at a median of $498,500.

It’s likely that we will continue to see fewer unit sales in our region through the end of the year. However, if you need to buy or sell a home before then, there are opportunities to make the most of current conditions. Ask your Windermere broker for more information about how this market might align with your goals.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – October 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2023/10/12/local-market-update-october-2023/feed 0
Local Market Update – September 2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/09/14/local-market-update-september-2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/09/14/local-market-update-september-2023#respond Thu, 14 Sep 2023 22:51:27 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28329 As summer draws to a close, the local housing market remains somewhat unsettled. This is due to persistently high interest rates that have caused buyers to pause and sellers to hold onto their pandemic-era mortgage rates, as well as low inventory increasing competition for the available listings. Sold home prices in some areas have begun […]

The post Local Market Update – September 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

As summer draws to a close, the local housing market remains somewhat unsettled. This is due to persistently high interest rates that have caused buyers to pause and sellers to hold onto their pandemic-era mortgage rates, as well as low inventory increasing competition for the available listings. Sold home prices in some areas have begun to see year-over-year price increases in relation to the slowdown that hit the market at the end of last year.

Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner remarked on this trend. “Historically, the number of homes for sale slows in August,” he said. “Where sales did occur, prices rose between July and August in King and Pierce counties.” Gardner also described these conditions as “very unique times” in the housing market.

While these conditions may be challenging to navigate, sellers are still finding success with correctly-priced listings. New listings are attracting multiple offers and often sell over list price. Buyers who come prepared with strategic offers and a willingness to waive contingencies can break into the market with the guidance of a savvy broker.

King County was one of the regions that saw year-over-year price gains. The median price for a single-family home rose 0.7% from $899,999 in August 2022 to $906,250 last month. Condos saw even bigger gains, likely due to their better affordability for new homebuyers. The median price for condos in August was $525,000, up 8.25% from $485,000 the same time a year ago.

The Seattle market hasn’t quite caught up to its pricing from this time last year. There, the median price for single-family homes in August was $899,000, down about 3% from $927,000 in August 2022. On the other hand, the condo market saw a 10.5% price increase year-over-year, rising from $520,000 in 2022 to $575,000 last month.

Eastside median sold prices fared better. After a somewhat sluggish summer in terms of pricing, last month the median price for single-family homes rose to $1,453,000. That’s an increase of 7.6% from $1,350,000 in August 2022. Condos in the area also saw price growth, with median sold prices increasing 5.4% from $569,000 last year to $600,475 in August.

Like Seattle, Snohomish County also hasn’t caught up to its 2022 prices, though this is likely because the county had fewer fluctuations in the last year and may be experiencing the typical end-of-summer slowdown that is common in the housing market. There, the median price for single-family homes was down 2.6% from $749,999 last August to $730,563 this year. The condo market was virtually unchanged in pricing, increasing from $474,999 in August 2022 to an even $475,000 last month.

In all the areas mentioned above, condos generally saw the most notable price gains. This is likely due to their greater affordability for first-time homebuyers and those in the median price-bracket. With interest rates still fluctuating, many buyers are rethinking their plans and may be pivoting to the condo market, thus driving up demand and prices.

Matthew Gardner sees the current real estate market as still “lack[ing] direction,” due to the ongoing interest rate issues. He says “it likely won’t find its footing until mortgage rates start to pull back, which I expect to see as we enter the fall months – and assuming the U.S. economy continues to moderate.”

The remainder of the year will set the tone for how the market looks in 2024. Until then, your Windermere broker can help you navigate these changing conditions and find a strategy that’s best for your buying or selling journey.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – September 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2023/09/14/local-market-update-september-2023/feed 0
Local Market Update – July 2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/07/22/local-market-update-july-2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/07/22/local-market-update-july-2023#respond Sat, 22 Jul 2023 20:45:22 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28325 This summer’s local housing market is seeing low inventory feed higher prices, putting the squeeze on would-be buyers. June is typically the month where home prices reach their apex, and last month was no exception as King and Snohomish counties’ prices neared the peaks seen during the sugar high of the pandemic market. Approximately 80% […]

The post Local Market Update – July 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

This summer’s local housing market is seeing low inventory feed higher prices, putting the squeeze on would-be buyers. June is typically the month where home prices reach their apex, and last month was no exception as King and Snohomish counties’ prices neared the peaks seen during the sugar high of the pandemic market.

Approximately 80% of recent transactions have been in the more affordable and mid-price ranges, which are nearly sold-out at the moment. Because of this, multiple offers and offers over list price were more prevalent in June’s closed home sales than at any other point this year.

Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner addressed the inventory shortfall. “The number of homes for sale in the Central Puget Sound area in June was down 48% from the same month in 2019 (pre-pandemic),” he said. “I believe much of the reason for this is that almost 33% of in-state homeowners have mortgage rates at or below 3%, and 87% of owners have rates below 5%. There is little incentive to list your home for sale if you don’t have to.”

In King County, the median sold price for a single-family home landed at $935,000 in June. This is just a notch below the median price of $938,225 in June 2022. The scarce inventory has caused buyers to compete more aggressively and sellers to list higher, thus leading to comparable peaks as the pandemic market in summer 2022. Likewise, condos were up from $525,000 June 2022 to a median of $529,975 last month.

In Seattle, June’s median sold price for a single-family home was $930,000, down 7% from June 2022. Condo prices in the city were up year-over-year, with a median price of $550,000—an increase from $538,700 last June. This jump could be due in part to rising residential prices pushing some buyers into the more affordable condo market.

The Eastside, meanwhile, is seeing sales activity slow because of extremely limited supply. The level of new inventory coming onto the market is just 44% of the 10-year average. As a result, median prices have held strong. In June, the median sold price for an Eastside single-family home was $1,450,000, barely off last June’s mark of $1,500,000.

In Snohomish County, the median price for a single-family home last month was $774,975, down from $799,950 in June 2022. Condos actually saw a year-over-year price increase, from $500,000 last June to a median of $506,000 last month. The strength of Snohomish County condo prices is likely tethered to low inventory—there is just over a two week-supply of condo units in the area.

Economist Matthew Gardner notes that “Sale prices in King and Snohomish counties rose for the fifth consecutive month and are only modestly lower than a year ago. It will be interesting to see if this trend can continue given the stubbornly high mortgage rates.”

Despite the high interest rates and scant supply, buyers who are educated on the market and working with a trusted broker should be able to navigate these changing market conditions. For more information on how you can make the most of your real estate endeavors, reach out to your Windermere broker.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on

The post Local Market Update – July 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2023/07/22/local-market-update-july-2023/feed 0
Local Market Update – April 2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/04/12/local-market-update-april-2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/04/12/local-market-update-april-2023#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2023 18:37:23 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28317 Spring has truly arrived in our region, with longer days and blooming cherry blossoms. Along with these harbingers of the season, the pace of the local real estate market has also picked up, indicating that the spring market is finally here. An uptick in new listings and price gains in the last month demonstrates a […]

The post Local Market Update – April 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
Spring has truly arrived in our region, with longer days and blooming cherry blossoms. Along with these harbingers of the season, the pace of the local real estate market has also picked up, indicating that the spring market is finally here. An uptick in new listings and price gains in the last month demonstrates a typical seasonal pattern, and buyers and sellers are adjusting their strategies accordingly.

According to Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner, the total inventory in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties grew over 14% from February. However, the number of homes for sale in the tri-county area was down about 40% when compared to pre-pandemic stats from March 2019. This gives sellers the advantage when it comes to setting prices for their listings.

Gardner noted this as well. “Despite the growing number of available homes for sale, sellers in King County are holding firm, with listing prices increasing by over 5% compared to February. In Snohomish County, listing prices were up just shy of 5%,” he said.

While the monthly increase in listings is good news for buyers, fluctuating interest rates and steadfast prices from sellers mean some borrowers are getting creative with their financing. Bridge loans, home equity loans and purchases contingent on the sale of the buyer’s previous home are coming back into circulation.

These factors and more are that buyers are eager to take advantage of the market when interest rates dip down to more comfortable levels. As rates continue to fluctuate and gradually level off, prices may once again become the major determining factor for which listing a buyer may pursue.

In King County, the median price for a single-family home rose about 4.8% from $800,000 in February to $840,000 last month. While that’s still down 9.68% from the median price of $930,000 in March 2022, steady price growth in the face of higher interest rates is certainly notable. With about one month of inventory, the ball is still in the sellers’ court, despite lower year-over-year prices.

Seattle followed a similar pattern. The median price for single-family homes dropped 10.3% from $970,000 in March 2022 to $869,975 last month. However, that’s an increase of over 5% from February’s median price of $825,000. The condo market saw year-over-year gains of 4.9%, increasing from a median price of $510,025 in March 2022 to $535,000 last month. The residential market still had relatively tight inventory at about 1.1 month’s supply. However, when compared to the scant .3 month’s supply of March 2022, buyers seem to have their pick of listings.

The Eastside saw the greatest year-over-year price decrease, which is to be expected considering the already high price point of the area. While the median single-family home price decreased almost 17% from $1,700,000 in March 2022 to $1,411,500 last month, the area did see monthly gains; the median price increased just over 5% from $1,340,000 in February. Condos in the area also had monthly increases, from a median price of $540,000 in February to $585,000 last month.

Snohomish County — while still more affordable than its neighbors — was also up compared to February. Last month, the median price for single family homes in the area was $724,000, up from $690,560 in February. The area had the smallest relative year-over-year price decrease of 9.5%, coming down from a median of $800,000 in March 2022. With just .8 months of inventory, Snohomish is still a desirable area for buyers looking to get the most bang for their buck.

Over the last few weeks, tapering interest rates have brought buyers back to the market, but low inventory remains a key challenge for prospective buyers moving forward. If you’d like to learn more about what these market conditions mean for you, please reach out to your Windermere broker.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – April 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2023/04/12/local-market-update-april-2023/feed 0 https://kristivellema.com/files/2023/04/lmu-04-april-2023-scaled-1-150x150.jpg
Local Market Update – March 2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/03/10/local-market-update-march-2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/03/10/local-market-update-march-2023#respond Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:59:48 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28313 A recent surge in purchase activity indicates that the early spring real estate market is in full swing in our region. Fluctuating interest rates have caused some buyers to converge on properly-priced listings when rates are down, while potential sellers have been hesitant to let go of the historically low mortgages they have on their […]

The post Local Market Update – March 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

A recent surge in purchase activity indicates that the early spring real estate market is in full swing in our region. Fluctuating interest rates have caused some buyers to converge on properly-priced listings when rates are down, while potential sellers have been hesitant to let go of the historically low mortgages they have on their homes. This has led to a well-known dynamic in our region: not enough inventory to meet the current demand, causing buyers to compete again in multiple offer scenarios. The likely effect of this push-pull will be higher prices in the coming months, despite the constraints of higher (and unpredictable) mortgage rates.

The current interest rate environment is the difference between the level of competition the market is experiencing now and the frenzy of the pandemic market. Buying power is lessened by higher mortgage payments and, with rates still in flux, creative financing is key for many buyers.

That being said, Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner notes that buyers are eager to take advantage of brief dips in rates when they do appear. “What is interesting is that home prices rose between January and February, which tells me that buyers jumped on the opportunity to take advantage of mortgage rates that dipped below 6.1% five times between mid-January end early February,” Gardner said.

In King County, single-family home prices did rise from $781,098 in January to $800,000, though that’s down 6.7% from $857,750 in February 2022. Condos were also up, with a median price of $468,500 last month compared to $450,000 in January.

Seattle followed much the same pattern, with the median price of single-family homes rising from $803,750 in January to $825,000 last month. While that is still down 11% from $925,000 this time last year, interest rates have played a large part in what buyers can reasonably afford. In the last two years alone, the median interest payment for a single-family home has risen 54%, from $3,283 in February 2021 to $5,085 — an increase of $1,802. Despite this, demand is still high, as buyers do what they can to break into the market. In February, 28% of Seattle homes sold above list price, and 53% of listings sold in under two weeks.

On the Eastside, the median price of a single-family home last month was $1,340,000 — down over 21% from a year ago, when the median was $1,697,500. However, February sold prices were up from January, when the median was $1,320,000. A sure sign that the Eastside market is becoming more competitive, in the last three months both the number of homes selling above asking price and the amount over list price have doubled.

In Snohomish County, the median price for single-family homes fell 7.4% year-over-year to $690,560. Unlike the other regions, that’s also down from January’s median price of $699,000. The higher interest rates could be causing more buyers in this market to pause as they wait for prices and rates to stabilize. The relative affordability of Snohomish County has long been a draw for many buyers, who now may be more sensitive to the fluctuations of the market.

Looking ahead, Matthew Gardner predicts we will see more of the same trends. “Year over year, home sales prices are down, but that isn’t surprising given that a year ago homebuyers were scrambling to buy in the face of mortgage rates that were about to skyrocket,” he said. “I expect we will see a similar story for the next few months.”

If you have questions about what these market conditions mean for you, please reach out to your Windermere broker.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – March 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2023/03/10/local-market-update-march-2023/feed 0
Local Market Update – February 2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/02/10/local-market-update-february-2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/02/10/local-market-update-february-2023#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2023 22:33:29 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28309 Spring may have come early to the local housing market, with home sales increasing and multiple offers sneaking back into the norm after a downturn over the last few months. While still not at the levels of the peak pandemic market, buyers are actively competing with one another again, as mortgage rates and prices have […]

The post Local Market Update – February 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

Spring may have come early to the local housing market, with home sales increasing and multiple offers sneaking back into the norm after a downturn over the last few months. While still not at the levels of the peak pandemic market, buyers are actively competing with one another again, as mortgage rates and prices have come down in King and Snohomish counties. General low inventory on the affordable and mid-price end of the spectrum has also fueled competition.

With the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage coming down to around 6.09% — about a full percentage point lower than last November — mortgage payments are more affordable to today’s buyers than they would have been in the fall, especially since home prices in most areas have come down or at the very least flattened. The question will be if today’s conditions fuel enough competition to set prices rising again in the coming months.

In King County, single-family homes sold for a median of $781,098 in January, up slightly from $775,000 in January 2022. Of these sold units, 11% closed above list price, and over 30% sold in less than two weeks, markers of some competitive demand in the region. Combining King County condo and residential sales, January’s 1,003 sold units were a 32% drop from the 1,437 closings in December.

In Seattle, the median price of a single-family home ticked up to $803,750 last month, compared to $790,000 a year ago. Almost 40% of Seattle residential listings sold in less than two weeks, and 13% sold above list price. With 1.3 months’ inventory, buyers seeking single-family homes have a few more options to choose from than they did a year ago, but the condo market in the city is where they can maximize their buying power even more. The median price for Seattle condos was a relatively affordable $487,500 and, with 2.1 months of inventory on the market, condo buyers may have an easier path to purchase for the time being.

On the Eastside, prices continued to stabilize at a lower level than we saw during the pandemic. The median price of a single-family home in the area was $1,320,000 in January, down 13% from $1,515,500 in January 2022. Like Seattle, the Eastside currently has 1.3 months’ supply of homes. While only 8% of homes sold over list price in January, nearly 30% sold in two weeks or less, indicating that there is healthy buyer demand for correctly priced Eastside homes.

Snohomish County remains a more affordable alternative to Seattle and the Eastside, with the median single-family home price dropping to $699,000 last month. That’s down from $715,000 the same period last year. The county has the smallest amount of inventory, with a single month’s supply of listed homes. Of the closed sales, 34% sold in less than two weeks — reinforcing the fact that many buyers are prepared to move quickly in a hastening market.

According to Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner, taking an annual average “is better than comparing this month to this month.” For example, inventory across the Puget Sound region is up almost 200% year-over-year. When compared to the number of active listings during the last pre-pandemic year, the current number falls short by about 30%. This indicates there’s still plenty of room for a competitive market in the months ahead.

If you have questions about these housing market trends or other real estate topics, please reach out to your Windermere broker.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – February 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2023/02/10/local-market-update-february-2023/feed 0
Local Market Update – January 2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/01/12/local-market-update-january-2023 https://kristivellema.com/2023/01/12/local-market-update-january-2023#respond Thu, 12 Jan 2023 20:40:29 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28305 The close of 2022 brought the housing market extremes of the last year into sharp focus. With decreased sales, generally increasing inventory and lower prices, the December market finally seemed to hit the winter slowdown that has characterized typical market cycles of years past. This stands in contrast to the early months of 2022, which […]

The post Local Market Update – January 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

The close of 2022 brought the housing market extremes of the last year into sharp focus. With decreased sales, generally increasing inventory and lower prices, the December market finally seemed to hit the winter slowdown that has characterized typical market cycles of years past. This stands in contrast to the early months of 2022, which saw sky-high prices and scarce inventory, before the threat of inflation and rising mortgage rates caused the shift in the latter half of the year.

Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner commented on this phenomenon. “The local housing market in 2022 ended with a whimper rather than a bang. Overall, the housing market is going to continue falling off the artificial ‘sugar high’ that was a function of the artificially low mortgage rates during the pandemic,” he said.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, as stability in the market could translate to more predictable price appreciation for sellers, and better circumstances for buyers to enter the market. In most cases, it’s low- and middle-priced homes that are missing from the market, so many first-time buyers still have plenty of pent-up demand for inventory that meets their needs and financial situations.

Despite a 43.3% drop in closed sales compared to December 2021, last month saw the median price for single-family homes in King County rise to $825,000. That’s up from the median of $810,000 this time last year. This could speak to the lingering effects of inflation on the market, or be a factor of the lack of entry and mid-level homes currently available to buyers.

The Seattle market experienced the same pattern, with a year-over-year price increase of almost 5%, from $839,000 in December 2021 to $879,975 last month. Closed sales were down in the city as well, dropping 43.5% from last year to just 394 units, leaving the market with just under six weeks of inventory. The condo market mimicked this trend, with the median price rising to $512,500 last month, up from $490,000 December 2021. Additionally, Seattle condos offered the highest amount of inventory, with 2.5 months of stock.

Things were a little different on the Eastside, which had experienced perhaps the highest price boom during the “sugar high” of the pandemic. There, single-family home prices decreased around 15% year-over-year, landing at a median of $1,299,000 last month, compared to $1,529,500 in December 2021. This is likely due to higher mortgage rates dampening the buying power of potential homebuyers in the area. Entry-level buyers may be forced to look in more affordable markets for the time being, and December’s 39.5% decrease in closed sales compared to December 2021 reflects this. Interestingly, Eastside condos experienced a sold price increase, to a median of $565,000, up from $550,000 last year. This is likely because condos are a much more affordable entry point to the Eastside market, and may be experiencing higher demand as buyers tailor their expectations to the current market conditions.

After the ups and downs of the last year, Snohomish County ended exactly where it began, with a median single-family home price of $700,000 — the same as in December 2021. Closed sales in the area were down 38.3%, leaving the market with about six weeks of inventory. Throughout the pandemic, Snohomish County has been a relatively stable market compared to the fluctuations of Seattle and the Eastside, making it a desirable area for first-time buyers and those looking to maximize their buying power.

Looking ahead, Matthew Gardner expects 2023 will see continued price declines. However, “With mortgage rates expected to slowly fall from current levels, sale prices should start increasing again in the second half of the year,” he said.

Gardner continued, “Ultimately, once prices pull back to where they would have been if the pandemic had never occurred, they will start to stabilize and then return to a more normalized pace of appreciation.”

Sellers and buyers have certainly felt the impacts of shifting economic conditions on the housing market. A slower market pace and modest price decreases may be necessary to help reset expectations on both sides and set up sustained future success.

If you have questions about how to make the most of the current market conditions, please reach out to your Windermere broker.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – January 2023 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2023/01/12/local-market-update-january-2023/feed 0
Local Market Update – December 2022 https://kristivellema.com/2022/12/16/local-market-update-december-2022 https://kristivellema.com/2022/12/16/local-market-update-december-2022#respond Fri, 16 Dec 2022 21:44:11 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28301 As temperatures drop and we approach the end of the year, the local housing market has remained somewhat sluggish — an indication of a return to normal seasonality. Slower home sales are not necessarily a bad sign; in many cases causes as benign as the holidays and inclement weather have pushed buyers off their path, […]

The post Local Market Update – December 2022 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

As temperatures drop and we approach the end of the year, the local housing market has remained somewhat sluggish — an indication of a return to normal seasonality. Slower home sales are not necessarily a bad sign; in many cases causes as benign as the holidays and inclement weather have pushed buyers off their path, with many choosing to wait for the new year before resuming their searches.

The market is still experiencing high interest rates, though many experts agree we seem to be past peak inflation levels. While the 30-year interest rate recently dropped to 6.49% from the peak of 7.08%, it remains about a point above the June 2022 average of 5.42%. Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner expects mortgage rates will continue to drop. “Early in the new year, I expect the Fed to start pulling back from their aggressive policy stance, and this will allow rates to begin slowly stabilizing,” he says. Gardner expects interest rates to remain above the 6%-mark until fall of 2023, when they should begin to dip.

Interest rates and weather are not the only things causing buyers to slow their trajectory. The larger amount of inventory in most markets has encouraged buyers to take their time and browse more than they’ve been able to in the past two years. Sellers must now compete with one another for buyers’ attention and offers. That being said, listings that are priced accurately for the market are still attracting showings and strong offers. and there are many sellers who can afford to wait for the right offer.

These trends were reflected across King County in November, which saw a median sold price of $827,000 for single-family homes. That’s up from $820,000 in October, but the more noticeable change was in the number of closed sales. The county saw a 44.7% year-over-year drop in the number of sold units, dropping from 2,371 closed sales in November 2021 to just 1,312 closed sales last month.

Seattle followed much the same pattern, with a median closed sale price of $905,000 for single-family homes, up from $850,000 the same time last year. Closed sales also decreased from 763 in November 2021 to 423 last month, a drop of 44.6%. Condos in the city experienced an even greater decrease in sales, with a 54% year-over-year dip in sold units.

Prices on the Eastside decreased to a median of $1,316,000 for single-family homes, after holding steady at $1,350,000 since August of this year. The inventory for Eastside single-family homes currently sits at 2.4 months. Condo prices in the area rose from $555,500 in November 2021 to $569,500 last month. Eastside buyers may be opting for condos as a more affordable choice given the current interest rates. Condo inventory in the area currently sits at 2 months.

Last month just 10% of residential units on the Eastside sold above asking price. More than half the listings on the Eastside experienced price reductions in November as well, with 54% of sold listings having had a price adjustment at some point. Despite these recent trends, it’s important to note that median home prices on the Eastside are up 24% over the past two years — from $1,060,000 in 2020 to $1,316,000 last month.

Snohomish County remained somewhat similar to last month, with slightly less than 2 months of inventory on single family homes and a median sold price of $700,000. That’s up slightly year-over-year, from $695,000 in November 2021. Condos in Snohomish County had the least inventory of any area, with only 1.6 months’ supply.

Although interest rates are higher than we’ve grown used to over the past two years, the increased inventory means it is still a great time for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, to enter the market. Resources provided by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, including its free homebuyer education seminars and its down payment and closing costs assistance programs, can help counter some of the obstacles that may be keeping buyers sidelined. A savvy combination of interest rate buy-downs, adjustable rate mortgages and the possibility of refinancing for lower rates can also help would-be buyers hit the ground running.

If you have questions about what this market means for you, please reach out to your Windermere broker for assistance.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – December 2022 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2022/12/16/local-market-update-december-2022/feed 0
Local Market Update – November 2022 https://kristivellema.com/2022/11/16/local-market-update-november-2022 https://kristivellema.com/2022/11/16/local-market-update-november-2022#respond Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:06:58 +0000 https://kristivellema.com/?p=28297 As the final quarter of 2022 rolls on, it’s clear that these last months will be anything but typical for home buyers and sellers in King and Snohomish counties. In a real estate market that’s been defined by high competition and low supply for the last number of years, buyers and sellers are changing tactics […]

The post Local Market Update – November 2022 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>

As the final quarter of 2022 rolls on, it’s clear that these last months will be anything but typical for home buyers and sellers in King and Snohomish counties. In a real estate market that’s been defined by high competition and low supply for the last number of years, buyers and sellers are changing tactics as market dynamics shift due to rising mortgage rates and growing inventory.

While some buyers are waiting to see if rates and home prices drop, others are getting creative with their financing by utilizing buydowns, adjustable rate loans, carrying back second deeds of trust, and closing cost allowances to make their purchases. Sellers have been slower to adjust, with many resisting the idea of lowering their asking price to meet the constraints of buyers dealing with high interest rates. However, for sellers willing to correctly market and position their listing, successful sales – and even occasionally multiple offers – can still be attained.

King County as a whole saw the median price of a single-family home increase from $875,000 in September to $903,000 last month. This was largely a function of price gains in Seattle, where single-family homes sold for a median of $950,000 in October — up from $900,000 in September. Seattle and King County both have about two months of available supply, which is the most balanced inventory level the market has seen in years. The Seattle condo market has slowed a bit more than residential sales, with over 3 months of inventory and a median price of $522,500 — down from $525,000 year-over-year.

On the Eastside, the median price for single-family homes has remained constant, sitting at $1,350,000 for the third month in a row. The average monthly mortgage payment on the Eastside dropped 19% from $9,226 in April 2022 (when the median price was $1,722,500 with a 4.98% interest rate) to $7,430 in August 2022 (with a median price of $1,350,000 at a 5.22% interest rate). However, while the median price has remained the same since August, the 30-year interest rate rose to 6.9% in October. At that rate, the average monthly payment is $8,891 — only 4% off the peak payment of $9,226 in April; this is despite a 22% drop in prices since then.

Snohomish County saw prices fall slightly from a median of $735,000 for single-family homes in September to $730,000 last month. With a little less than two months of inventory, that market remains slightly more competitive than the Eastside or Seattle, possibly due to lower prices making it more accessible for buyers as they combat the higher interest rates.

Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner weighed in on the effect of mortgage rates on buyer behavior. While he believes many buyers may be forced to wait (either voluntarily or not) for interest rates to stabilize, he advises would-be buyers not to wait for prices to bottom out. “Those who hope to pick up a home ‘on the cheap’ are likely in for a long wait,” he said.

For many buyers, the answer to this conundrum is a pivot to adjustable rate mortgages, which are currently set around 5.9%. With the 30-year fixed mortgage rate currently at 6.9% or higher, adjustable rate mortgages offer a more affordable inroad to homeownership, with the possibility of refinancing to a lower rate in a few years.

As we navigate these changing market conditions, your Windermere broker can help you assess the best path forward for your home sale or purchase.

EASTSIDE

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on Local Market Update – November 2022 appeared first on Kristi Vellema.

]]>
https://kristivellema.com/2022/11/16/local-market-update-november-2022/feed 0