Below is a link the year ends stat's from the Northwest Multiple Listings comparing 2010 to 2011. As you can see we have experienced a drop in inventory but an increase in the number solds since 2010. You can also note that prices have decreased with a breakdown of area.

http://www.joshuakoffler.com/uploads/11vs10SnohomishJoshua1.pdf

Later this month, Windermere agents from throughout the Western U.S.
will come together in Seattle for our annual Windermere Symposium.
They’ll talk about important issues, share ideas, and learn about new
products and services to help them better serve their clients. It’s a
time for camaraderie, collaboration, and celebration. And this year,
that celebration includes kicking off Windermere’s 40th anniversary.

In honor of this exciting milestone, we thought it would be fun to
look back at how things have changed during the past 40 years. In 1972,
real estate looked a lot different than it does today. Instead of
websites there were Polaroids. Instead of email there were hand-written
notes. Real estate deals were done on the back of cocktail napkins and
sealed with a handshake. And when you wanted to look at homes, you did
so while riding around in the back seat of your agent’s car. Here are
some other things we found interesting when looking back at the last 40
years:

Much has changed since 1972, but one thing we’re proud to say has
remained the same is our agents’ steadfast commitment to their clients
and their communities. They carry on the tradition started by our dad in
1972 when he founded Windermere and built a business centered on
community and mutual respect. For us, Windermere’s 40th anniversary is
about honoring those humble beginnings, as well as our agents who are
truly the ones who make this celebration possible.

I was doing some year end stat’s using the data from the Northwest Multiple Listing and wanted to share my results with you.

 

I compared how many homes sold last year compared to this year and what percentage of these closed sales were “distressed” (short sale/bank owned).

 

From January 1, 2010 to December 8, 2010 in Snohomish County there were 6,518 sold residential home with 34% being “distressed”.

 

From January 1, 2011 to December 8, 2011 in Snohomish County we have sold 6,930 residential homes with 46% being “distressed”.

 

So, in 2011 our sales have increased, the percentage of distressed home sales have increased BUT our inventory is down (around 25%) along with home values (around 10%).

 

My conclusion- with interest rates being as low as they are and home values being around the 2002/2003 prices the affordability of homes today are at an all time high. I see many first time homebuyers taking advantage of today’s market along with investors. My prediction is that the market will continue along the same lines thru Spring and Summer.

Here is another testimonial from a seller I represented in selling their short sale condo in South Everett!

How would you describe the service you received?

Excellent! Extremely thorough! All of our question were answered promptly. Josh made this difficult process bearable and smooth.

Is there something  Josh could have done better?

Nope!!

Other comments.

Thank you!

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional
purchases of a person’s life. That’s why it is so important to find an
agent that can not only help you navigate the home search process, but
one who can also answer your questions and represent your needs from
start to finish. Most importantly, your agent should care about your
happiness and ensuring that you find the home that best fits your needs.
. Here are some qualities to consider when selecting a real estate
agent:

1. 
   Someone you like. More than likely, you will be spending a lot of time with your agent, so look for someone that you enjoy interacting with.
2. 
   Someone you trust. One of the best ways to find an
   agent who you feel you can trust is to ask friends and family for a
   referral. Another way to do this is to interview different agents and
   ask for client references.
3. 
   Someone who listens. While your agent can’t read your
   mind, they should be able to make educated recommendations and offer
   advice by listening closely to your needs. Make sure you talk to your
   agent about your priorities, what types of features appeal to you, as
   well as any factors that could be deal breakers. This will arm your
   agent with everything they need to help find you the perfect home.
4. 
   Qualified and experienced. Make sure your agent has the
   qualifications and experience to meet your specific needs. For example,
   some agents have more experience with short sales, while others might
   be experts on certain neighborhoods or types of housing.  Your agent
   should also be fully trained in contract law and negotiations
5. 
   Knowledgeable. A great agent is someone who is out in
   the neighborhoods, exploring communities, visiting listings, performing
   marketing analyses, and collecting all the information that you need to
   make an informed, confident decision about your real estate needs.
6. 
   Honest. Your agent should be upfront and honest with
   you about every aspect of your home search process – even if it involves
   delivering bad news. The best real estate agents are more concerned
   about finding the right home for their clients, not just the home that
   brings in the fastest commission check.
7. 
   Local. Every community is different and all real estate
   is local, so it’s important to find someone who really knows the local
   market and can provide you with whatever information you need to
   familiarize yourself with a particular area..
8. 
   Connected. A well connected agent will have
   relationships with lenders, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, and any
   other service provider you might need during your home search.
9. 
   Straight forward. You want an agent who will work hard
   to help you find the best home, but you also want someone who will be
   straight forward with you about the process, the market reality, and
   what is realistic for you.
10. 
    Committed. Your agent should be in it for the long
    haul, meaning that they’re looking out for your best interests every
    step of the way, no matter how long the process takes. The best way to
    find an agent with these qualities is by asking around. In all
    likelihood, someone within your circle of friends or family will have
    experiences to share and professionals to recommend.

Here is a the feedback from a first time home buyer in Lake Stevens that bought a beautiful new construction home.

How would you describe the services you received?

"From day one- Josh was fantastic. He understood what we were seeking in our first home, walked through the process and made himself available for what some might have thought were silly questions. His service went about and beyond and we couldn't have been happier!"

Is there something Josh could have done better?

"Nothing"

Other comments?

"We know where to send all of our friends if they are looking for a fantastic realtor and friend. We hope Josh is still around if we look again in 30 years."

How is the real estate market doing this year in Snohomish County?   To help answer this question I ran some numbers courtesy of the NWMLS to compare the number of sold residential homes in Snohomish County from January 1^st to November 1^st for the last 4 years.

 

Here is what the numbers are saying-

 

2008 from January 1 to November 1 there were 5311 sold homes (residential only)

 

2009 from January 1 to November 1 there were 5249 sold homes (residential only)

 

2010 from January 1 to November 1 there were 5935 sold homes (residential only)

 

2011 from January 1 to November 1 there are 6151 sold homes (residential only)

 

Currently in Snohomish County we are experiencing our third straight year of an increase in the number of sold homes. This is good news!!

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If you have been in your home for a while you may be restless for change. The great part about having a home of your own is you can make improvements and give your home a chance to evolve over time. You just need to help your home live up to its potential. Here is a top ten list of improvements that will help you make the most of your home.

1. Find your home's purpose. Each home is as unique as its owners, so in order to fully utilize your home, consider how you view your home's purpose. Some people like to entertain, other find it a calm space in the frenzy of daily life,  some nurture their families and others nurture their creativity.
2. Assemble a list. A list always helps to figure out where to start or prioritize what is the most important project. Think about what you want to change in your home, inspirations, and preferences.
3. Make an "inspiration board". An inspiration board is a great way to visualize your home's decor. One way of doing this to use magazine cutouts, color swatches, and fabric samples. Doing this will allow you to see all the elements you like in one place so that you can then tie it all together into a room you love.
4. Create a collection. If you have items that you like to collect, think about how to transform that collection into something you can display. If you don't already have a collection of loved objects think about that this collection would be for you. You can center a room design around your travel souvenirs, old camera collection, figurines, unique plates, or familial objects.
5. Choose a new palate. Shake up your sensibilities and think of a color that will compliment your room while making a statement. It's easy to fall into the white/beige standby to keep our rooms neutral, but sometimes a color that provides a contrast to your decor will make the room pop.
6. Repurpose an old piece of furniture. Instead of replacing your furniture give it a facelift. You can have a sofa or chairs reupholstered or make use of a slip cover. Also, painting and staining can add new life to your wood pieces.
7. Rearrange. Moving furniture around is another easy way to reinvent your space. Try placing your sofa on an angle to open your entertaining room or move your lamps to improve lighting. You can also think about moving a piece of furniture into a room to give it a new life, like using a unique dresser for a credenza or a chair as a side table.
8. Make a room of your own. Find some space in your home that is uniquely yours, whether this is the corner of the guest room or an office of your own. It can be very rewarding to have a space that you can organize to fit your personal needs without the worries of other intruding.
9. Find an inspirational object. Have you ever fallen in love with an object that inspired you to want to completely redo a room to accommodate it? Designing a room around an inspiring object can be a great way to create a space that truly embodies your design sensibility.
10. Find design motivation. Home design evolves over time and can be sustained by finding items that inspire you. Read magazines and books that inspire your interest in architecture, design, art, etc. Or find stores and flea markets that sell pieces that influence your aesthetic. Or bring a camera with you when you're doing your favorite activities and bring back memories or inspirations. Most of all have fun!!

What inspires your home design?

This blog is courtesy of Windermere Real Estate and written by Tara Sharp.

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