Real News Winter 2017 Sales Soar in 2016 Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties all experienced a tremendous increase in the number of real estate transactions in 2016, compared to 2015. The growth was fueled by an increase in people coming to our beautiful area and very few leaving. Prices were driven up by high demand and the higher cost of recent new construction. The exception was San Juan County, which had an increase in sales, but steady pricing.
New homes sales were a significant portion of sales impacting pricing in most areas
Growth of sales in 2016 was fueled by a strong economy, military, retirees & more telecommuting Fifty five and over communities in Mount Vernon and Oak Harbor were especially popular for people downsizing. New condos in Oak Harbor helped increase the number of housing units in Oak Harbor but drove the average prices down in 2016 compared to 2015. Ultimately, the price of a property is always based on supply and demand. Top prices are achieved when there is low inventory of a similar product. Timing is everything to achieve TOP dollar! Real News | Page 1
2017 Real Estate Predictions Our crystal ball was pretty clear last year! Our predictions for 2016 (written
However, we are willing to make a few predictions for the 2017 real estate market:
December 2015) were: 1. Feds will raise rates at least 0.5% by the 1. New home sales will increase as a
end of 2017, perhaps more, in at least 2
percentage of sales. (We were right.)
increases. This will put more pressure on first
2. Homes priced right will receive multiple
time home buyers. (If you plan to purchase
offers. (We were right.)
using financing, right now is the time to buy)
3. Sellers that are moving will not want to put
2. The Puget Sound region will continue to
their home on the market until they find the
outperform the national market. There will be
home they want to purchase. (We were right.)
a shift in living trends in the NW urban areas;
4. More regulations will cause longer closing
small units or shared housing will grow in
time frames and more complexities to the
popularity.
transaction. (Unfortunately, we were right.)
3. A second home in a relaxing environment such as Skagit, Island, or San Juan Counties
Overall the market was even stronger than
will be increasingly desirable for those that
we predicted. The population of Skagit and
can afford such a luxury.
Island Counties increased based on job
4. Overall, prices will increase. The homes
creation and an exodus from Snohomish and
that have a higher demand will increase in
King Counties for those looking for a better
price at a higher percentage rate than the
quality of life. The military influx of additional
overall market.
squadrons at Whidbey NAS put pressure on
5. The value of pre-owned homes will be
entry level and mid range homes in both Oak
impacted by new construction in particular
Harbor and Anacortes areas. The shortage of
product niches stunting appreciation.
housing caused prices to increase at a higher rate than expected for homes in those price ranges.
Home trends that are expected to be popular in 2017 include a continued desire for open floor plans, large garages, lots of
This year is a little more challenging to predict as the impact of the new
storage/closet space, neutral colors and energy efficient homes.
administration on the housing market is not fully understood. Real News | Page 2
Freedom-Sizing ? By Jean Groesbeck Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com
We Baby Boomers have reached the point in our lives where we want to simplify our lifestyle. Unfortunately the term “downsizing” implies a step down, when it can be actually a step to freedom, both financially and mentally. So, I prefer to call it freedom-sizing! The real estate market is strong and is creating an excellent opportunity to make a change to a home that better suits your current needs. Anacortes provides a wonderful retirement environment. A strong market also provides the best financial outcome for right-sizing. Baby Boomers moving to the Anacortes area want main level living, which consists of a master bedroom, kitchen, living room or great room, a utility room and access to the garage, all on the same level. The challenge is often the buyers' large furniture will not fit into a smaller square-foot home. Freedom-sizing requires letting go of things. Not everything, but do you really need the huge china hutch? For that matter, do you even need the china? The process of freedom-sizing can be difficult, but keep in mind that the goal is to reduce your work load, financial burdens, and worries to free time to do the things you have dreamed of doing in your adult life. Let go of the “stuff” and embrace your new, free lifestyle. You deserve it!
Real News | Page 3
Biggest Kitchen Trends in 2017
By Eileen Hebert Eileen@JeanGroesbeck.com
Eileen is a full time real estate broker who specializes in working for buyers. You can reach Eileen at (360) 7707090
Kitchen design trends are constantly evolving–and these days, with digital media giving homeowners a constant stream of inspiration, it seems like new styles are coming and going at an even faster rate. If you’re planning to refresh your kitchen, make sure it’s incorporating what are sure to be the biggest kitchen design trends for 2017. Hidden Appliances: Hidden appliances are those that are made to look as if they are cabinets, with the same design in doors and hardware. The trend will be towards hidden appliances, even small appliances such coffee makers and microwaves, and certainly bigger items like refrigerators and dishwashers. Quartz Countertops: Quartz kitchen countertops look like granite. Solid and practical, easy to clean and very attractive, quartz kitchen countertops are convenient and eco-friendly solutions for modern kitchens. Mixed hardware finishes: Hardware is like the jewelry for your kitchen design, and there are more options out there than ever before. Skip the standard nickel knobs and brass bar pulls from the big box store and opt for something special. Instead of going for a monochromatic stainless steel look, homeowners are choosing accessories with various finishes, such as gold, copper or pewter. Among the details seen on hardware: hammered finishes, leather trim, and even pulls made from slices of agate. If you’re ready for a kitchen remodel in 2017, keep these trends in mind. Opt for natural materials for both your countertop and backsplash choices, utilizing bold colors wherever possible. You’ll have a kitchen update that’s perfect for your home. Real News | Page 4
Color of the YEAR
By Taby Perron Taby@JeanGroesbeck.com
New Year and new beginnings! The Pantone Color Institute brings us a powerful and refreshing color of the year for 2017. Say hello to GREENERY! A vibrant nature-inspired hue of green that will be sure to make you feel revitalized just by looking. It is a yellow-green shade that evokes pleasant thoughts of the first days of Spring when “nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.” I personally find "Greenery" a little too bold, especially for home interior decorating. Fortunately, the leading paint manufacturers came up with a much more soothing color pallet for 2017 where grayish blues and soft purple tones dominate. If you like to be trendy, be on the lookout for furniture and home accents like chairs, pillows, candles, and rugs of these colors to give your home a quick update without breaking the bank!
Traveling with Pets I have been traveling for a long time and I love it! However, it is not for all pets. Here are some tips to make sure your pets have a smooth trip: Road test: Before embarking on a long trip, do some “trial runs” and take some shorter drives to see how your pet responds. Check for any signs of anxiety or car sickness. Buckle up: Accidents happen! Consider buying a pet car seat, pet seat belt or a travel crate to reduce distractions on the road. Pit Stops: Don’t forget we need to make stops once in a while. Every 2 hours should do the trick for potty breaks, walks & don't forget we need water If you are flying…do you research. Some pet breeds are not suitable for flying. Also if your pet is very young or very old it is best to leave them at home. Remember to check the airline’s history of pet safety while traveling to insure the best care for your pet.
Real News | Page 5
Jean Groesbeck & Associates SOLD properties in 2016 Team Jean Groesbeck had an outstanding year in 2016! We want to thank our clients for helping make our success possible, and for trusting our team to make your real estate dreams come true. Here are some of our SOLD listings in 2016:
Real News | Page 6
Jean Groesbeck & Associates SOLD properties in 2016
We also helped more than 65 clients find the home of their dreams in Skagit, Island and Snohomish Counties!
Luxury Homes: $650,000 +
If you are thinking of moving in 2017, please give us a call! We are full-time professional brokers who are passionate about real estate and client satisfaction. Let us show you the difference that 5 Star Real Estate Service can make in your next real estate transaction.
Team Groesbeck Jean Groesbeck Managing Broker (360) 941-3734 Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com
Eileen Hebert Luxury Specialist (360) 770-7090 Eileen@JeanGroesbeck.com
Taby Perron Broker | Marketing Director (360) 899-5027 Taby@JeanGroesbeck.com
Kenny Sides Buyer Specialist (360) 982-3400 Kenny@JeanGroesbeck.com Sarah Pescaia Marketing Coordinator (360) 899-5027
Sarah@JeanGroesbeck.com
Real News | Page 7
Jean Groesbeck Managing Broker | Luxury Specialist (360) 9413734 Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com 809 7th St. Anacortes, WA www.JeanGroesbeck.com www.AnacortesRealEstateBlog.com 4100 194th St SW. Ste. 135 Lynnwood,WA 98036
If you are currently working with a real estate broker, this is not intended to solicit your business
Thinking of
Remodeling?
If you are thinking of fixing up your home to sell, please call us before you do ANYTHING. Did you know that last year home sellers recouped only 83% of the cost of a major kitchen remodel in the greater Seattle area? (2016 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com). One of the best investments you can make in your home, in terms of return on investment, is a new garage door, which yields 137% to 142% of value. Other top high value remodels include stone veneers (143%) and new entry doors (up to 128%). Buyers do judge a home by curb appeal and it may be that these homes sold for more because they received more showings. Remodeling bathrooms and the kitchen will help your home sell faster, but don't expect the money spent to increase your equity by an equal amount. Even if you don't plan to move right away, but want to update your home with an eye toward resale value, call us to learn what you can expect before you decide to spend your money.