the
FEBRUARY 2017
Volume 8 | Issue 2
EYE ON THE
market
The beginning of 2017 continues in a manner similar to 2016: Low inventory numbers are making it more attractive for sellers to enter the market, but for the same reason, sellers are balking at giving up their current residence. For those sellers who decide the time is right, new listings are getting immediate attention from buyers ready to make an offer on a home. Recent interest-rate hikes have not deterred well-qualified buyers in our region. Despite the low inventory, sales of single-family homes in December were up 4.71 percent in King County, three-quarters of a percent in Snohomish County and an impressive 11.29 percent in Pierce County compared with this same time period last year. This year is expected to mirror last year in another way: The spring market is
LOCAL predicted to heat up in February again this year. Buyers are not expected to wait for the temperatures to rise to begin their home search in earnest. As recently reported in The Seattle Times, there are nearly 10,000 rental units coming online in 2017 (and at least that many more in 2018). Market analysts predict this will help alleviate some of the pressure on the existing resale inventory and lead to a more balanced market overall. Incoming new residents attracted to the region by our healthy job market may have housing options not seen in the last couple of years. As some give up looking for a home and choose to rent, buyers who stay the course should enjoy some breathing room this year. Overall, brokers expect another exciting year, but with its own set of challenges.
springtime FIRST IMPRESSIONS If you’re planning an open house, here are a few tips that will help make a great first impression:
ALL OVER THE HOUSE: Consider removing personal photos from display Wastebaskets are empty Dust and vacuum Window blinds are open Lights are on Calm music is playing BEDROOMS: Beds are nicely made Dirty clothes are out of sight Toys are put away BATHROOMS: Non-essentials are out of sight Shower and tub are clean Towels are folded neatly Toilet lid is down
KITCHEN: Sink is clear of any dishes Countertops are clear of toaster, coffee maker, etc. Clean range and microwave LIVING ROOM: Pillows/cushions are tidy TV screen is dusted Pets: Food bowls are put away Litter and cages are clean YARD: Yard is tidy for time of year Walkway/doorstep is swept Outside lights are on Outdoor toys and tools are put away
happenings
1-4 Seattle Boat Show (begins 1/27) seattleboatshow.com 3-4 Arlington-Stillaguamish Eagle Festival | arlingtonwa.gov 4 Lunar New Year at the Bellevue Collection bellevuecollection.com 10 Hearts & Wine in Sodo firstharvest.org 10 I Love Kirkland February Wine Walk kirklanddowntown.org 10 Wine & Chocolate in Tacoma metroparkstacoma.org 11 Chocolate Tasting at Country Village in Bothell countryvillagebothell.com 11 Valentine’s Run on Ruston Way in Tacoma metroparkstacoma.org 11 Winter Sip & Stroll Gig Harbor gigharborwaterfront.org 11 Sweetheart Wine Walk in Sumner sumnerdowntown.com 16 Marysville Blues & Brews marysvillewa.gov 18-26 Seattle Home Show seattlehomeshow.com 22-26 Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle gardenshow.com 23-26 Wintergrass Music Festival in Bellevue wintergrass.com 24-26 The Seattle Wine and Food Experience seattlewineandfoodexperience.com