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Washington State NWMLS Market Update for October 2024


Market Recap

Closed sales increased by over 11% month-over-month, driven by a brief downturn in mortgage rates and a boost in buyer confidence amid hopes for continued rate declines. However, mortgage rates unexpectedly rose again from 6.08% at the end of September to 6.72% at the end of October. This increase correlates to economic data including strong job growth numbers but presents challenges for hopeful buyers. Meanwhile, home prices increased by 2.4% month-over-month on average, further dampening optimism.

“The only thing that seems certain about this market is that houses are not becoming more affordable, due to the ongoing combination of high interest rates and rising prices,” said Steven Bourassa, director of the Washington Center for Real Estate Research (WCRER) at the University of Washington.

Key Takeaways

Active Listings

  • While the total number of properties listed for sale declined by about 6% when compared to last month, there was a 29.8% increase when compared to the same month last year, with 14,795 active listings on the market at the end of October 2024 compared to 11,403 at the end of October 2023.

Closed Sales

  • The number of closed sales increased by over 11% when compared to last month, and by 22.5% when compared to the same month last year – 6,479 in October 2024 compared to 5,291 in October 2023. An increase in the number of closed sales year-over-year was observed in 22 out of 26 counties.

Median Sale Price

  • Overall, the median price for residential homes and condominiums sold in October 2024 was $650,000, an increase of nearly 8% when compared to October 2023 ($602,000). When compared to last month, the median price increased 2.4% from $635,000 in September 2024.
  • The three counties with the highest median sale prices were King ($865,000), San Juan ($825,000) and Snohomish ($753,000), and the three counties with the lowest median sale prices were Ferry ($112,500), Pacific ($330,625) and Grant ($341,782).

Contact me for more details, or watch the 0.75 minute market snapshot video…

Source: NWMLS 11/6/2024



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Changes in Median Closed Sale Price



This graph shows how the price of homes have evolved over the last 30 years in a few key counties in the Pacific Northwest.

For many years, NWMLS has been tracking a variety of metrics each month in counties within its service area. One of these monthly metrics is Median Sale Price, which is the middle point in the price distribution of homes sold that month, meaning half of the sold properties were priced higher, and half were priced lower. Median Sale Price is considered a more accurate representation of the market than average sale price, as it is less affected by outliers.




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Fall First Impressions: How to Boost Curb Appeal This Season


Your home never gets a second chance to make a first impression with prospective homebuyers – and fall is the perfect season to make that first impression unforgettable. With autumn underway, enhance your home’s exterior with fall maintenance and seasonal staging!

Here are seven ways to boost curb appeal when selling a home this fall:

1. Keep leaves at bay

While the vibrant hues of foliage add beauty to the season, fall leaves can sometimes look messy when they accumulate in your yard. Regularly raking the leaves helps maintain a tidy appearance and prevents potential damage to your lawn.

2. Make sure outdoor lights are functioning properly

With the arrival of shorter days, it’s essential to ensure your outdoor lighting is in top shape with updated bulbs. To take lighting to the next level, consider installing stylish sconces, a weather-resistant chandelier or lanterns to create a warm welcome that starts outside.

3. Continue yard care

In warmer climates, lawn care is a year-round endeavor that entails cutting grass, trimming hedges, edging walkways, maintaining flowers and more. But in colder climates, fall is when lawn care tapers off as winter looms ahead.

That said, if your home is on the market this fall, make sure to maintain a sleek yard by keeping up with tasks like lawn mowing and leaf raking. The general rule of thumb is that you can water the grass until nighttime temperatures start to dip closer to freezing, making it necessary to turn off the irrigation system.

4. Refresh mulch in flower beds

Fall mulching offers several benefits – including insulating your soil and plant roots, which in turn can reduce stress caused by low temperatures. Plus, adding a topical layer of mulch to beds during the fall can give a refreshed look to help with curb appeal.

5. Stage your porch with fall flair

Seasonal decorating is a great way to impress potential buyers and create an inviting atmosphere. To spruce up the space, hang a wreath in rich autumn colors on the front door, add a fresh welcome mat, and consider implementing seasonally-specific items like pumpkins and gourds.

Flowers are another great addition to a home’s exterior, even during fall. Enhance your front porch with flowerpots or window boxes filled with fall favorites – like low-maintenance mums – in shades of orange, yellow, pink, purple and red.

6. Create an inviting outdoor lounge space

Transform your front porch, patio or deck into a cozy retreat where buyers can picture themselves enjoying the season while watching the leaves fall. Stage the space with simple outdoor furniture and add a few decorative items, like weather-proof pillows.

7. Update exterior paint and hardware

With cooler temperatures making outdoor work more comfortable, it’s an ideal time to tackle tasks that benefit the structure’s exterior. Touch up any peeling paint on the outside of the home – and if a full paint job is needed, consider doing it before it gets too cold out. Other beneficial tasks include power washing the exterior, cleaning or replacing house numbers and polishing door hardware. These updates can help show potential buyers that your home is especially well-cared-for.

Ready to sell your home this fall? I’ll be happy to help; contact me today!




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RE/MAX National Housing Report for September 2024


Housing Inventory Continues to Increase This Fall

As fall progresses, housing inventory continues to grow across the U.S. – supported by an uptick in homes hitting the market.

The latest RE/MAX National Housing Report analyzed aggregated data from 52 markets – coast to coast – throughout September 2024. The countrywide intel revealed that new listings increased 9.7% from September 2023. It also revealed that housing inventory was up 6.4% from August 2024 and up a whopping 33.6% from September 2023.

The slowing of home sales is a partial reason for this growing quantity of available listings. Normal for the season, home sales in September dipped just over 13% from the previous month. In recent years, home sales similarly dipped from August to September, too.

Strong home prices in 2024 might be an intriguing factor for today’s sellers looking to make a move in the final quarter of the year. The RE/MAX report found the median sales price for September – $429,000 – was down just 1.4% from the month prior, but was up 4.6% from the year prior. September also marked the 15th consecutive month where the median sales price was higher year-over-year.

Read the full article…

Watch the 32 second summary video…



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Washington State NWMLS Market Update for September 2024


Market Recap

The further reduction of interest rates in September by the Federal Reserve provided a positive end-of-the-summer boost to the market. Double-digit increases in active and new listings and single-digit increases in median home prices demonstrated a tentative balance between the ongoing seller’s market and newfound buyer confidence.

However, experts caution that without deeper cuts to interest rates, housing affordability will remain out of reach for many would-be buyers. “Interest rates remain over double what they were just three years ago (6.08% at the end of September versus 3.01% at the same time in 2021 for 30-year fixed rate mortgages). This continues to have a major impact on affordability,” said Steven Bourassa, director of the Washington Center for Real Estate Research (WCRER) at the University of Washington. “It seems unlikely that the volume of transactions will pick up substantially without some significant improvement in affordability.”

Key Takeaways

Active and New Listings

  • The number of homes for sale increased throughout the NWMLS coverage area, with 22 out of 26 counties seeing a double-digit year-over-year increase.
  • There was a 31.4% increase in the total number of properties listed for sale, with 15,748 active listings on the market at the end of September 2024, compared to 11,983 at the end of September 2023.
  • NWMLS brokers added 8,508 new listings to the database in September 2024, an increase of 12.7% compared to September 2023 (7,551).

Closed Sales

  • The number of closed sales increased by 1.9% year-over-year (5,828 in September 2024) compared to 5,722 in September 2023.  
  • 11 out of 26 counties saw an increase in the number of closed sales year-over-year, while 15 saw a decrease.

Median Sale Price

  • The three counties with the highest median sale prices were King ($859,995), San Juan ($829,000), and Snohomish ($760,000), and the three counties with the lowest median sale prices were Ferry ($209,500), Adams ($270,000) and Columbia ($325,000).
  • Overall, the median price for residential homes and condominiums sold in September 2024 was $635,000, an increase of 5.8% when compared to September 2023 ($600,000).

Contact me for more details, or watch the 0.75 minute market snapshot video…

Source: NWMLS 10/3/2024



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4 Good Reasons to Stage Your House Before Selling



Should you stage your home before selling it? The answer is generally yes. Home staging is your chance to make buyers fall in love with your space by highlighting its best features – without a full remodel.

First impressions matter, and staging is a powerful tool that can make your property stand out. Here are four compelling reasons to consider staging your home before listing it for sale.

1. Staging can refresh your home’s appeal

Home staging entails decluttering and depersonalizing, as well as rearranging furniture and décor to best compliment the space. Some people choose to upgrade furnishings, while others may hire a professional home stager who can bring in their own items.

Doing these things can instantly give the space a renovated feel, even if it isn’t newly built. This simple approach helps showcase the potential of each room and can make your home more appealing to buyers. To take it up a notch, people often repaint their walls, opting for light and neutral colors, and invest in better lighting to increase brightness throughout the home.

2. Staging may help increase your sale price

Staging your home can impact its sale price and can potentially benefit your return on investment. After all, when a home appears updated and well-cared for, buyers are likely to want it more.

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023 Profile of Home Staging report:

  • 20% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1%-5% of the price offered by buyers on a staged home in comparison to similar un-staged homes
  • 21% of sellers’ agents reported that staging a home greatly decreased the amount of time the home was on the market

3. Staging can create the perception of space

A crucial aspect of staging your home is decluttering. Clearing out excess items enhances the visual appeal and can make each room feel larger – a concept especially helpful in smaller dwellings.

Start by optimizing floor space. Then, clear unnecessary items from countertops and store away overly-personal items or mementos. Remember that overcrowded surface areas could distract potential buyers from important features throughout the home.

4. Staging can inspire buyers’ imaginations

The same report from NAR found that 81% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as their future home. Staging is essential for helping these prospective buyers to forge that emotional connection, making your home feel like the backdrop for their memorable moments.

To create this bond, keep decorations simple and neutral, allowing the space to feel like a blank canvas for their future rather than a reflection of your past. Scent – adjusted with things like air fresheners and incense – is another way to evoke emotion and make buyers feel right at home.

Staging is part of an effective home-selling strategy – and by thoughtfully curating your home’s appearance, you can leave a lasting impression on buyers and help your house go from “for sale” to “sold.”

Searching for a trusted professional to help you sell your home? Contact me today!





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RE/MAX National Housing Report for August 2024


New Listings Pick Up, While Fewer Homes Sell and For Less

August’s new listings inched up 1.6% over the previous month after decreasing 9.4% in July and 5.2% in June. Up 7.9% year over year, new listings have remained above 2023 levels in seven of eight months year to date.

Meanwhile, home sales declined 3.3% from July across the 49 metro areas surveyed. Home sale transactions were also down 3.8% year over year – just the third month of 2024 thus far to trail 2023.
The median sales price dropped for the second consecutive month to $440,000, 1.1% below July but remained 3.5% higher than the $425,000 median recorded in August 2023. Overall, the median sales price has remained higher year over year for 14 consecutive months since June 2023.

Inventory continued to grow for the sixth consecutive month. It was up 2.4% from July and contributed to the 37.6% increase in homes for sale in August 2024 compared to August 2023.

Read the full article…

Watch the 32 second summary video…



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10 Pointers for Packing and Moving to a New House



Moving marks the end of a chapter, and the start of an exciting new one. The anticipation of living in a new home brings endless possibilities – but the process to get there can feel overwhelming.

Here are 10 pointers to help make the moving experience as smooth and stress-free as can be:

1. Book movers in advance

Once your move-in date is set, secure a moving company as soon as possible. Booking early will avoid the hassle of having to make last-minute arrangements and give you a better selection of options that suit all of your moving needs.

2. Notify utility providers

Inform your utility providers about your move in advance to ensure essential services like water, electricity and Wi-Fi can be used in your new home starting day one. This will also prevent you from being charged for utilities at your old address after you’ve moved out.

3. Declutter before you move

Evaluate the layout and size of your new home and decide what items you truly need. Moving is the perfect opportunity to do a purge of possessions you don’t use or want anymore. You’ll be surprised by how much you choose to donate or throw away. Purging pares down the volume of things that need to be moved, and also sets the stage for a fresh start in a well-organized, clutter-free space.

4. Start packing early

Packing usually takes more time than anticipated, so starting early is essential. Begin by packing lesser-used items and tackle the task room by room. Breaking it down into manageable chunks and packing a little each day will help you stay organized and on schedule, making the entire process more efficient.

5. Label boxes clearly

Properly label each box with its contents – and make note of the room into which it will go. This will make unpacking and sorting much easier, ensuring everything ends up in the correct place.

6. Pack boxes strategically

To ensure your belongings stay safe and secure throughout the move, pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes to create a stable base and prevent lighter items from being crushed. Make sure each box is filled to capacity to avoid shifting during transit. Choose boxes of the right size for your items and use packing paper or crumpled newspaper for cushioning to provide extra protection.

7. Keep the essentials accessible

Consider setting aside a dedicated bag or suitcase for daily essentials you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, work supplies, electronics, and a change of clothes. This will make your first few days in the new home more comfortable, enabling you to settle in while you finish unpacking.

8. Create a special plan for delicate items

Carefully wrap valuable, breakable, or delicate items with materials like bubble wrap and towels for extra padding, and make sure to mark these boxes as “fragile.” Use smaller boxes for delicate items to minimize potential damage. If you’ve hired movers, inform them that these boxes require special handling, or consider transporting these items yourself to ensure they arrive safely.

9. Organize important documents

Keep vital documents like birth certificates, passports and checkbooks secure in an easily accessible place. And, store important papers in clearly labeled files within a container.

10. Reflect and celebrate

Your home is more than just four walls and a roof – it’s a special place filled with memories from a meaningful chapter of your life. Moving means saying goodbye to the past while welcoming new experiences and opportunities.

Take some time to reflect on your old space. Consider hosting a farewell dinner with loved ones, or simply have a quiet moment of reflection and gratitude before you embark on the exciting journey of moving into a new space.

Ready to start your next chapter in a new home? Contact me today!

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Washington State NWMLS Market Update for August 2024


Market Recap

Mortgage rates are at their lowest level since March 2023 (6.35% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage as of August 29th), and August 2024 reflected year-over-year increases in the number of active listings, new listings and pending sales. At the same time, the number of closed sales year-over-year was virtually unchanged, and median home prices rose in 20 of the 26 counties covered by NWMLS. The Federal Reserve is expected to further reduce interest rates in September, sending encouraging signals to potential buyers.


Key Takeaways

Active Listings

  • There was a 34.1% increase in the total number of properties listed for sale, with 15,453 active listings on the market at the end of August 2024, compared to 11,525 at the end of August 2023.
  • The number of homes for sale increased throughout Washington, with 25 out of 26 counties seeing a double-digit year-over-year increase.
  • The five counties with highest increases in active inventory for sale were Douglas (+65.1%), Mason (+49.2%), Lewis (+49%), Pacific (+48%) and Pierce (+43%).


Closed Sales

  • The number of closed sales remained relatively unchanged year-over-year (6,727 in August 2024 compared to 6,734 in August 2023).
  • 15 out of 26 counties saw an increase in the number of closed sales year-over-year, while 11 saw a decrease.


Median Sale Price

  • Overall, the median price for residential homes and condominiums sold in August 2024 was $645,000, an increase of 4.9% when compared to August 2023 ($615,000).
  • The three counties with the highest median sale prices were San Juan ($905,000), King ($860,000) and Snohomish ($762,500), and the three counties with the lowest median sale prices were Ferry ($282,500), Adams ($307,475) and Pacific ($332,500).


Contact me for more details, or watch the 0.75 minute market snapshot video…

Source: NWMLS 9/5/2024



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How to Create a Productive Study Space at Home

With summer coming to a close, we’re back to the season of early mornings, school buses, backpacks, and busy schedules. As your family prepares for the academic year, now is the perfect time to create a productive study space that keeps your kitchen counter free from overflowing homework and school supplies.

Here are four tips for setting up an inspiring study area that blends comfort, functionality, and personality to boost focus and motivation.

1. Create a comfortable workspace

After a long day in the classroom, the last thing your child needs is an uncomfortable study environment.

To maximize comfort while prioritizing work efficiency, invest in a cushy chair with good back support. Add a cozy throw blanket as cooler weather approaches. Up the ambiance with a calming scented candle and soft music – like songs from minimalist, classical, piano, or low-fi genres – to maintain focus, enhance relaxation, and avoid distraction.

2. Stock up on supplies

Fill desk drawers with pencils, pens, markers, sticky notes, paper, flashcards, and notebooks. This can make for interactive note taking, and will help ease stress when it comes to last-minute projects and assignments. Keep school supplies organized with things like drawers, bins, pencil holders, and a file organizer.

It’s no surprise that technology has become increasingly prominent in the classroom. According to a 2023 survey from ZipDo, 89% of K-12 teachers incorporate educational technology in their classrooms daily. Therefore, consider making technology more efficient in the study space. This could include adding extra chargers, headphones, extension cords, a printer, or even a computer monitor to make switching between tabs seamless, especially when studying for a big test.

3. Ensure good lighting

Good lighting is essential to productivity as well as mood. Ensure your child’s study space is well-lit to help them stay focused and energized while completing their homework. Place the desk by a window for natural light and add a lamp nearby to brighten the area at night.

Consider color-changing lightbulbs that easily adjust from bright white light, which is energizing and enhances focus, to warmer, yellow-toned light, which creates a relaxing atmosphere for winding down after study sessions.

4. Personalize the space

A designated study area that reflects your child’s personality can make a significant difference in their productivity and contentment. Make it an enjoyable place they love spending time in – and check with them while decorating so they have a hand in curating their special space.

Add floating shelves to display photos, favorite books, inspirational quotes, achievements, and artwork. This keeps the desk area free of clutter while still showcasing their personality. Hang up a calendar or planner nearby to help keep track of assignments and deadlines. Then, add fun elements like pops of color, wallpaper, house plants, and more. The key is to create a zone that’s both organized and inviting, combining creativity with efficiency.

Looking for an A+ home of your own – one with ample study space? Contact me today!