Looking to buy or sell real estate in Seattle? Learn how a 1031 exchange can help you defer capital gains taxes and reinvest in new properties.

Selling your Seattle home? Learn how to qualify for the capital gains tax exclusion, the 2-out-of-5-year rule, and how a 1031 exchange can help defer taxes. Get expert advice from a Seattle real estate broker!

Seattle’s real estate market ended 2024 on a quieter note, but there’s more to the story. Despite higher mortgage rates, activity is picking up as buyers and sellers adjust to what may be the new normal. Curious about the latest market trends and what they mean for you?

Washington’s groundbreaking HB 1110 law is set to reshape neighborhoods across Seattle, opening up new opportunities for homeowners and developers alike. By allowing duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas previously limited to single-family homes, this legislation is poised to address the city’s housing crisis head-on. But what does this mean for everyday homeowners? From potential property value increases to shifts in neighborhood character and parking requirements, understanding the full impact is crucial. Dive into how HB 1110 could affect your home, investments, and community, as Seattle embraces this pivotal step toward more inclusive housing.

Discover key trends in Seattle's real estate market from January 2022 to October 2024. Learn how rising inventory, shifting buyer demand, and evolving prices are creating new opportunities, especially for condo buyers. Whether you're buying or selling, get the latest insights on how the market has transitioned from a red-hot seller’s market to a more balanced environment.

When buying a home in Seattle, especially with family in mind, school quality is a common concern. However, under Fair Housing Laws, agents must avoid steering based on school ratings. Schools in Seattle are ever-evolving, with diverse programs and changing dynamics. For an unbiased view, explore tools like the Washington State Report Card for in-depth data on public schools. Seattle also offers a range of private schools with unique curriculums. To make the best decision, visit schools and engage with local communities firsthand.

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"I can't wait to spend thousands of dollars to sell my home!" said no homeowner, ever. Yet, every seller knows that investing in property preparation is crucial for a successful sale. In Seattle’s competitive real estate market, making your home stand out is key. Simple upgrades can make a big difference in how your home is perceived.

Here are three easy investments that can help attract buyers and secure offers quickly:

1. Lighting and Fixture Upgrades: Modernize your lighting and fixtures to enhance your home’s ambiance. Upgrading outdated light fixtures and other hardware can transform the space without breaking the bank. Look for cost-effective options on platforms like Amazon or Facebook Marketplace.

2. Paint is the Ultimate ROI Boost: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve your home's appeal and value. Focus on neutral colors for walls, trim, and doors to create a cohesive and inviting look. Painting is a low-cost way to make your home feel brand new.

3. Partnering with a Great Realtor: A skilled realtor will strategically position your home in the market and manage all aspects of the selling process. From minor repairs to major staging, partnering with a great realtor can make your home sale smoother and more successful.

Considering selling your home soon? Consult with a real estate professional now to plan and prepare for a successful sale.

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Transform your Seattle garden into a thriving oasis with these essential tips! From navigating Seattle's unique climate to selecting the right plants, our guide covers practical strategies to ensure your garden flourishes. Learn how to enhance soil quality, make the most of our often unpredictable weather, and choose native plants that thrive in our region. Plus, discover how to incorporate sustainable practices for a garden that's both beautiful and eco-friendly. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you create a vibrant and successful garden in the Pacific Northwest.

As we close out Q1 2024, the Seattle real estate market remains robust and resilient despite ongoing affordability challenges. Home prices continue to rise, with March median sales prices showing significant year-over-year increases across the region. Affordability issues persist, driven by stagnant wage growth, high mortgage rates around 7%, and rising home prices. While interest rates impact monthly payments, buyers are adapting by exploring adjustable rate mortgages and planning for future refinancing. Inventory remains tight, with homeowners holding onto their properties longer due to substantial equity. If you’re considering buying or selling, our team is here to help you navigate these market conditions and make informed decisions based on your personal goals.

Seattle homeowners are facing evolving insurance challenges due to climate change, increased property values, and inflation. Recent trends include rising premiums and stricter underwriting for older homes. It's crucial to regularly review your policy, understand exclusions, and consider additional coverage. For tailored advice and insurance recommendations, consult with a trusted professional. Stay informed and proactive to protect your home and investment effectively.

Recent headlines about the real estate industry have focused on a major class action lawsuit, Sitzer-Burnett vs. NAR, which challenges the practice of seller-paid commissions for buyer brokers. The proposed settlement, effective mid-July 2024, will prohibit MLS compensation offers to buyer brokers but will not affect Washington's independent MLS, NWMLS, which maintains high transparency. Washington state already enforces compensation transparency and requires written Buyer Brokerage Services Agreements. This lawsuit may lead to changes in how compensation discussions are handled, but it is unlikely to impact home prices significantly. Buyers and sellers should prepare for these changes and engage proactively with their real estate professionals.

While national real estate headlines might paint a grim picture, Seattle’s market is showing resilience. Inventory remains tight, with a 1.3-month supply for single-family homes and a 2.6-month supply for condos, keeping it a strong seller’s market. Prices continue to rise, with single-family homes in Seattle up 16.5% year-over-year. Buyers are adjusting to higher interest rates, knowing the market is competitive and rates may drop in the future. Whether buying or selling, it's important to stay informed and make strategic decisions in this dynamic market.

Seattle's real estate market remains strong in Q4 despite high interest rates and low inventory. With a 2-month supply for single-family homes and a 3.7-month supply for condos, it’s still a seller’s market. Median home prices in October saw a slight dip for single-family homes but a rise in condo prices. Interest rates between 7.5%-8% have impacted buyer and seller behavior, but savvy buyers are capitalizing on softened prices and planning for future refinancing. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, now could be the time to act.

Looking for a smarter way to buy or sell a home in today’s real estate market? Discover the power of loan assumptions, where buyers take over a seller’s low-interest mortgage. This strategy can help buyers secure lower monthly payments compared to current high-interest rates, while sellers attract more offers and potentially sell faster. Not all loans are assumable, but FHA, VA, USDA, and some ARM loans offer this unique opportunity. Learn how loan assumptions work, the benefits for both buyers and sellers, and how to qualify in this comprehensive guide!

Seattle Home Values Remain Stable Amid Market Fluctuations: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Seattle’s real estate market is showing stability as home values hold steady. As of August 2023, the median sales price in the city stands at $880,500, marking a slight decrease of 2.7% compared to the same period last year. However, when looking at the broader picture, there’s been a 10% increase in home prices since January 2023. This highlights the importance of analyzing various data points over time to gain a clearer understanding of the market.

With only 1.5 months of available inventory, Seattle’s housing market continues to move swiftly. This limited supply maintains competitive conditions, keeping prices relatively stable. Over the past decade, Seattle home values have seen consistent growth, increasing by 125% since 2013, reinforcing real estate’s role as a strong long-term investment.

For those contemplating whether now is the right time to buy or sell, it's crucial to evaluate both personal financial goals and market trends. While interest rates are higher, purchasing a home now could lead to substantial savings, especially with the potential for refinancing in the future. Similarly, sellers should consider how their home equity and long-term plans align with current market conditions.

Points are an important tool for both a buyer and seller in a real estate transaction, and here's why.

Friday Rate Update - March 3, 2023

Every buyer and seller needs to read this!

A deep dive into Seattle's 2022 real estate market and some 2023 predictions for Buyers and Sellers alike.

We may be in the depths of Seattle's cold, dark, gloomy season now, but believe it or not the first blooms of the year will start to emerge