| Raves, Reviews & Rants
For the first time in 6 months, pending sales around Western Washington have increased, according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
According to the MLS, last months pending sales increased by 25%, from over 4,550 transactions to 5,701. In the same time period, sales decreased by 5.6% compared to a year ago but still at the highest level since September 2008. Inventory also fell more than 14%, with 39,825 active listings for single family homes and condominiums compared to 46,358 listings a year ago. Inventory also fell more than 14% with fewer new listings added during March.
Many experts think that increased open house traffic and more ‘for sale’ signs indicate renewed buyer confidence and activity. Buyers are also actively searching the internet and becoming more knowledgeable before seeking the assistance of their agent.
Sales are increasing in part because of deeply discounted prices and also because of the newly instated $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit. Sales are increasing all across the Puget Sound region with increases in the Seattle area of over 35% and nearly 40% in Southwest King County. In fact, seven of the 19 counties in our MLS system have shown gains in comparison to February.
Though we have not completely recovered from the housing recession, we are definitely moving in that direction.
Client Testimonials
Little did Abie (my wife) and I know, but there were a few peculiarities in the whole home-buying process that Janice illuminated for us. One had been the program structured by our government that allowed a buyer to have his/her closing costs all but completely paid for by the seller. In our case, the program was slated to end just about 4 weeks from the start of our house-hunting endeavor; we made it due in large part to the care and promptness Janice afforded us. She also steered us to a very forthright loan broker, early on, who, together with Janice, presented to us how home-ownership was not as elusive as we had previously imagined. Besides her personable and knowledgeable handiwork in ushering us about the Southeast and South side of the Seattle area for homes, she was always prepared and always there.
Ron & Abbie Becker
Renton, WA
Now that it's official, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you for your collective efforts in making the dream of homeownership a reality for Morgan and me. I am especially thankful that a program such as Parkview Services exist to help families such as mine.
Thank you!
Nikita Bailey
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