We need to move some inventory! Out of an "average" search of homes for sale in Snohomish County, 80% or more of listed homes are either bank owned or short sales. Only 20% and less are "normal" homes for sale. It puts "Normal" Sellers in an awkward situation of having to price their homes in competition with houses listed at "sale" prices. You'll not find this "perfect storm" situation again for years ... and maybe never in my lifetime.
Yes, real estate is cyclical, but this is a really strange cycle. You have houses at unbelievably low prices PLUS interest rates for loans at an all time low. Yes, you have to have some money to put some "skin in the game". But you can still ask Sellers (banks and short sales included) for at least the closing costs in your offer. And, FHA and VA Financing (minimum down loans) are welcome ... especially on homes that have been on the market for a long time. There are even "0" down loans out there from various government entities when you buy in geographical areas and meet their qualification requirements.
We had some agents attend the auction at the Snohomish County Courthouse last Friday and they reported back that there were lots of people there and bidding was very active. A few years ago, I attended one just to check things out and there was hardly anyone there bidding on anything. So, yes, investors are in the game and are figuring out that NOW is the time to buy. You'll be noticing lots of houses that have been vacant or neglected for a long time now being remodeled and going back on the market. I've been out showing and we've seen some really cute homes that have been updated and remodeled, and their prices are still in the reasonable price range.
So the message to Buyers is Now is the Time to Buy. Dust off that 401k and take a little money out, see if Mom and Dad can't help with some gift funds, find a way to get your own piece of the real estate pie. Prices will go up, depend on it! It may take a little while, but you can bank on it. Call your Real Estate Agent today ... or give us a call and we'd love to help.
Showing posts with label Housing Inventory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Housing Inventory. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, June 29, 2009
All the Signs are Pointing up, Up, UP
If you're a Buyer / Investor waiting for the bottom to arrive, you may have missed it! If you're a Seller waiting for the market to improve, all the signs are pointing to a recovery in the Pacific Northwest. According to CNBC.com, a new report shows that five U.S. states are poised to lead the nation out of a recession ... and guess who's on that short list! Right! Washington along with Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Texas. The reason that Moody's Economy.com expects us to lead the way is because of the "high concentration of high-tech companies" in our area.
And, nationwide we're continuing to have encouraging housing news showing that Existing Home Sales were up 2.4% for May to a 4.77 million annual rate. Yea! Three months in a row that we've seen an increase and the median price for an existing home also rose to $173,000. (Which, of course, is much lower than our area.) New home sales trends showed an increase and inventories are slowly coming down.
The Feds continue to hold interest rates down a while longer to hold inflation in check; so the good news is, it's really, really time to buy. And, in order to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer credit, you must close on a home before November 1st. Our advice? Get off the fence now and get into the game!
And, nationwide we're continuing to have encouraging housing news showing that Existing Home Sales were up 2.4% for May to a 4.77 million annual rate. Yea! Three months in a row that we've seen an increase and the median price for an existing home also rose to $173,000. (Which, of course, is much lower than our area.) New home sales trends showed an increase and inventories are slowly coming down.
The Feds continue to hold interest rates down a while longer to hold inflation in check; so the good news is, it's really, really time to buy. And, in order to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer credit, you must close on a home before November 1st. Our advice? Get off the fence now and get into the game!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
ARE WE THERE YET?
This real estate market reminds me of those road trips we took as a family when the children were young ... always impatient and asking, "Are we there yet?" That's the question on all agents' and clients' minds ... have we hit the bottom of the market and when do we start up again?
And the best answer is ... maybe. After every downturn there is an upturn and we're more than ready for that. According to the most recent numbers, the median sales price increased nationwide in March for the second month in a row, the biggest monthly jump since June 2005. The months' supply edged up to 9.8 from 9.7 but the raw inventory actually declined for all types of homes. The Federal Housing Finance Agency also reported that home prices rose 0.7% in February, the second month in a row that prices rose putting them up 1.7% for the last two months. Again, the biggest gain since 2005. And, March New Home Sales came in at 356,000 annual rate, a small decline from February but better than expected. And, according to the same source, inventory levels continue falling, down to 46.0% from their mid-2006 peak and at the lowest level since 2002.
So, what do the numbers mean? It shows, in my opinion, that we're "bouncing along the bottom" of this housing market and I believe we're looking toward a slow recovery starting this summer. Short Sales and REO sales are now dominating the market but there are still real "Sellers" out there that need to move and have some equity positions so they can sell without having to negotiate with the bank.
As for Buyers who've been waiting for the best deals ... they are out there NOW. My serious suggestion is to get off the fence and get in the game. Interest rates may never be lower and housing prices are unbelievable. Gentlemen and Ladies ... start your engines!
And the best answer is ... maybe. After every downturn there is an upturn and we're more than ready for that. According to the most recent numbers, the median sales price increased nationwide in March for the second month in a row, the biggest monthly jump since June 2005. The months' supply edged up to 9.8 from 9.7 but the raw inventory actually declined for all types of homes. The Federal Housing Finance Agency also reported that home prices rose 0.7% in February, the second month in a row that prices rose putting them up 1.7% for the last two months. Again, the biggest gain since 2005. And, March New Home Sales came in at 356,000 annual rate, a small decline from February but better than expected. And, according to the same source, inventory levels continue falling, down to 46.0% from their mid-2006 peak and at the lowest level since 2002.
So, what do the numbers mean? It shows, in my opinion, that we're "bouncing along the bottom" of this housing market and I believe we're looking toward a slow recovery starting this summer. Short Sales and REO sales are now dominating the market but there are still real "Sellers" out there that need to move and have some equity positions so they can sell without having to negotiate with the bank.
As for Buyers who've been waiting for the best deals ... they are out there NOW. My serious suggestion is to get off the fence and get in the game. Interest rates may never be lower and housing prices are unbelievable. Gentlemen and Ladies ... start your engines!
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