Seeing a bump in inventory yet several properties are selling with multiple offers, even with rising interest rates.By Ray Dove

A few examples of why good buyer brokers are worth every penny you spend on having them represent you as those good brokers do far more than "just" opening a door for you. Their value is way beyond showing you homes!By Ray Dove

Starting to see a little more inventory to select from yet good homes that are priced well are selling in less than a week. Interest rates are down to 7% 30 year fixed this week.By Ray Dove

This Podcast includes a letter sent to ALL NWMLS members in Washington State so I decided to share that letter with you so that you had "real" information instead of how the media spins things. If you would like more information feel free to reach out to me.By Ray Dove

Some advice andon the ideal steps to take to either sell your parents home and/or to help your aprents downsize to a smaller home or move to a 55+ neighborhood. We are starting to see homes come on the market that have VA and FHA assumable loans, so do not overlook them as they might be a good opportunity for you to assume at their low interest rat…

Again, homes are selling and prices continue to go up, yet we still have very low inventory!By Ray Dove

Yes, the Spring real estate market is underway, seeing a few more properties come on the market, yet even with higher interest rates homes are still going up in value and selling quicklyBy Ray Dove

As we go forward and tranistion to the new state law I wanted to share my insights on the obligations of buyers agents as they represent buyers, as it pertains to the new law. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.By Ray Dove

Yes, even with low inventory we are seeing homes sale, with some homes getting multiple offers.By Ray Dove

Yes, we continue to struggle with very low inventory, yet buyers are looking and buying homes with a few homes being sold after receiving multiple offers. If we see any interest rate reductions I think the market will get busier with more buyer activity and the inventory will contuinue to shrink as all indications are that we will not see any incre…

What is going on with the mortgage rates? What does it look like for interest rates in the near future? Are there and loan programs that are appealing to buyers? Is this a good time to buy or sell?By Ray Dove

Happy New Year! December was another month of continued low inventory, the only real highlight was that interest rates had fallen to the low 6% which helped with increased sales. I believe that rates will fall to the mid 5's by the spring of 2024. As a reminder, Jan 1 2024 ALL buyers MUST sign the new state approved Buyer Broker Service Agreement. …

Yes, interest rates continue to go down, and Yes home are selling! Starting Jan 2024 there will be new rules on buyer representation, written contracts, that will include how the buyer broker will be compensated, either from the seller(s) or the buyer(s).By Ray Dove

YES, homes are still selling, YES buyers are looking and YES interest rates have gone down for the last 2 weeks. - There are lots of great homes to buy!By Ray Dove

Yes, the market is still very active with lots of buyer interest in "good" homes (homes in good condition and preiced according to current market valuations) even with higher interest rates. We also have new state laws taking place effective January 2024, have a discussion with your real estate Agent/Broker about the changes as this will affect BOT…

Consisten theme, no inventory, higher interest rates and yet buyers are active and buying. A good time to sell!By Ray Dove

Ranting somewhat but what I discuss today is very valid on how real estate transactions can go sideways and fall apart. The best offense is to have a good defense, meaning get your home ready to sell and have full transparency to all parties and you will likely have a very satisfactory and successful transaction.…

Also some thoughts on building inspections and home improvement suggestionsBy Ray Dove

As we continue to work with the challenges of VERY low inventory we are still seeing homes sell as well as home prices remaining clsoe to their values for a year ago. Great time to be a buyer!By Ray Dove

Low, Low, Low inventory yet what is on the market is selling for 30 days or less, depending on certain market areas.By Ray Dove

Low, Low inventory and YES homes are selling with some selling for much higher than their asking prices.By Ray Dove

I am perplexed as to why they would bring in such a program that penalizes people for having good paying jobs, good credit and a history of saving money so that they can have a larger downpayment - I think this is absolutely ridiculous!By Ray Dove

By Ray Dove

So far, with dinishing inventory we are seeing a lack luster Spring market yet even with higher interest rates we have buyers not only looking to buy they ARE buying homes.By Ray Dove

Decided to share my thoughts as well as additional information from Inman Real Estate (real estate industry newsletter) on the trends we have seen in the past and what we are seeing unfold in our Spring 2023 real estate market. Always good to look at the past trends and how those trends are shaping our current market…

We are seeing lots of buyer activity, yet we are also seeing very little inventory so when you go to look at homes you may be up against competing offers from other buyers. If you are a seller and price your home/property according to the current market you may very well see multiple offers.By Ray Dove

Read some articles on Predictions for the 2023 real estate market, thought I would share, in this Podcast, the Predictions that are floating around. Some of these make sense and may very well come true and some may not come true as the interest rates and inventory challenges will have a major effect on these and other predictions.…

I think ALL property owners will be or are shocked at the recent Property Tax assessments for 2022, since they increased from 25% to 52% in 1 year and the taxes increased from 10% to 30% - the largest increase I have seen in King County for taxes due in 2023By Ray Dove

Yes, we are seeing a little more homes going on the market BUT we are also seeing more sales and more activity at our open houses. All this could lead up to a busy Spring market, especially if long term interest rates go downBy Ray Dove

Inspite of the holidays, the rain, the snow and the ice strom homes were still coming on the market and selling, although at a slower pace, yet we are seeing more buyer activity in the month of January 2023By Ray Dove

Have a VERY, VERY Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday seasonBy Ray Dove

Just a quick update on the excise tax changes effective January 1, 2023. Excise tax is paid by the seller, at close of escrow.By Ray Dove

YES, we are seeing an increase in homes going on the market, yet we are still way below what a typical and equal balanced real estate market looks like - 4 to 6 months of inventory. We are now at 2 months of inventory. Yes, homes are selling, Yes some homes are selling in less than a week and Yes some homes are selling for over their asking price, …

This is a very good time to be a buyer! If you are a home seller, make sure your home price is in alignment with the current market values as if it is we are seeing homes priced correctly selling in less than a week.By Ray Dove

NWMLS (Our MLS) Sales activity ending August 2022 for ALL residential homes and condos for King, Snohomish, and Pierce CountiesBy Ray Dove

Mathew is the CEO of QuantmRE, a company that solves a real problem for homeowners by helping them access a portion of their home equity without the homeowner taking on more debt by using a Home Equity Contract. Find out more about this opportunity, as a homeowner or investor, at the following website: www.quantmre.com…

YES, homes are selling still! YES, our inventory has grown to 2 months of availability.! YES, interest rates are coming down! YES, this is a great time to buy and sell a home!By Ray Dove

The latest sales statistics from our local MLS (NWMLS) and some added thoughts on the market from me and from opinions on the national levelBy Ray Dove

Yes, interest rates have gone up too, yet buyers are still buying homes and home prices are still going up from a year agoBy Ray Dove

Yes, it is true, we are seeing a little more inventory and some homes are remaining on the market over a wee with some over 2 weeks yet many homes are still selling fast?By Ray Dove

In my opinion, this IS NOT 2008! So many different and stronger variables than what had taken place in 2008. Please remember, buying real estate is not a short-term investment and Lenders are in the business of making loans so we will see more types of loans become available to fit your budget. As a buyer don't get discouraged and don't give up. As…

Yes, homes are still selling and Yes most of them are selling in 7 days or less yet are they selling for more than the asking price? We have seen several price reductions after homes being on the market for over a week, we are seeing fewer offers on homes with some homes receiving only 1 offer. Good time to buy? I would not give up on your search a…

The latest statistics from our MLS for the month ending February 2022 PLUS an update on current interest rates and the loan approval process from Laurie Ausmus (NMLS - 116156 | Sr Loan Originator) with Washington First Mortgage Loan Corp. NMLS 854647By Ray Dove

Thie week, and in future weeks Laurie will be a guest as she brings us Mortgage updates on interest rates and anything new to be aware of, when obtaining a home loanBy Ray Dove

Statistics from our local MLS and articles on the real estate market on a national levelBy Ray Dove

Just a candid conversation about the early Spring market and some of the challenges of "winning" a home. Laurie with Washington 1st Mortgage is ready to help you get approved for your home loan, contact her todayBy Ray Dove

Just a quick summary of our sales for December 2021 in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties as well as the available inventory in homes and condominiums that are for sale. Have a great 2022!By Ray Dove

An issue I ran across with a home that was sold by another agent where incorrect information was provided to potential home buyers on the validity of the home's septic system and the permits of the addition to the home. Even in our very competitive market, it is always best, as a buyer, to ask questions before buying a home to confirm that what the…