August 19, 2014
Western Washington I 2014 Second Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
The average home price in Western Washington in the first half of 2014 was $355,335—up by 4.6 percent over the first half of 2013. As is seen in the chart to the right, all but four counties saw average sales prices rise compared to a year ago. Price growth has been tapering over the past year, but remains generally positive.
Read More >
May 29, 2014
Oregon and Southwest Washington I 2014 First Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
Home prices are certainly influenced by the number, quality and mix of homes that are being offered for sale. Many times, markets with limited supply demonstrate stronger price growth than markets where inventory is less tight.
Read More >
May 22, 2014
Western Washington I 2014 First Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
Washington State added just shy of 61,000 jobs over the past 12-month period, an annualized growth rate of 2.1 percent, while the markets covered by our report added 50,690 jobs (a 2.3 percent increase over a year ago).
Read More >
March 13, 2014
Oregon and Southwest Washington I 2013 Fourth Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
The housing market continues to head higher in terms of both price and sales volumes. The number of homes for sale in the region is still well below historic levels, but I remain hopeful that 2014 will bring a much-needed boost to active inventory.
Read More >
February 20, 2014
Western Washington I 2013 Fourth Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
It is fair to say that 2013 was a pretty good year for those who were either looking to get back into the job market, or entering it for the first time.
Read More >
January 08, 2014
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Expires: IRS "Insolvency Clause" Offers Tax-Saving Protection
Posted in Market News by Richard Eastern
The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act expired December 31, 2013. The Act prevented homeowners who go through a short sale or foreclosure from being taxed on the amount of their mortgage debt that has been forgiven.
Read More >
December 19, 2013
Oregon and Southwest Washington I 2013 Third Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
In the third quarter of 2013, the region reported 11,064 home sales—a modest decline of six percent over the second quarter of the year, but still a 17 percent increase over the same period in 2012. Year to date, there have been over 30,000 home sales, an increase of close to 5,000 units when compared to the same period a year ago.
Read More >
November 15, 2013
Western Washington I 2013 Third Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
The double-digit price growth that we have experienced over the past year or so is set to taper—which is not a bad thing. It is pleasing to see an increase in homes for sale in many markets throughout Washington. The market is demonstrating stability, and buyers are increasingly comfortable with the view that home buying is not an inherent risk.
Read More >
October 02, 2013
The Government Shutdown: How It Could Impact Home Buyers
Posted in Market News by Erik Hand, President, Windermere Mortgage Services
There is much speculation on the impact that the current government shutdown will have on home buyers hoping to secure a mortgage. In the case of mortgage lending, the impact will depend on many things including the length of the shutdown, the current status of the loan, the borrower profile, and the lender’s modified guidelines during the shutdown period.
Read More >
August 14, 2013
Oregon and Southwest Washington | Second Quarter 2013, Volume XXII
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
I expect that the market will continue to recover, relative to price, but I also expect to see price growth start to moderate, especially if interest rates continue trending upward.
Read More >
