Local Market Update – January 2024

KING COUNTY

SEATTLE

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.

Bellevue Real Estate • Local Love • Market Stats • Windermere Bellevue Commons News • December 12, 2023

Local Market Update – December 2023

by Bellevue Commons

As we march steadily into the cooler winter months, the expected seasonal slowdown is upon us. Interest rate increases have continued to influence a quieter-than-usual fall market. Higher mortgage rates reduce buying power, as well as the momentum of move-up buyers and sellers.

Fewer sellers mean lower inventory and a reduction in closed sales. Indeed, the supply of listed homes in our region has continued to decline. As compared to the same month last year, October experienced a 30% decrease in active King County property listings. If trends hold true to the past three years, the start of winter will bring rising home prices locally.

It is expected that median sold prices will rise between December and April, unless rates increase significantly. In King County, the median price for single-family homes dropped 2% from $903,000 in October 2022 to $882,997 last month. This was a slight bump up from September, and a 14% increase year-over-year.

Just like December temperature variations, our local real estate market continues to feel up and down. Interest rates, regional economic conditions and seasonal market shifts have meant rising home prices in some areas and drops in others. While the expected winter slowdown means overall lower inventory, buyers are still willing to compete for plum properties in a diminishing pool of available listings.

A slight decrease in interest rates has raised cautious optimism in our region. Interest rates fell to around 7.2% as of December 1, compared to 7.8% in October. A continued trend in this direction could signal some welcome positivity in the market as we move into the new year.

In King County, the expected decline in winter inventory is pushing up year-end home prices. The region saw a 7% year-over-year increase in the median residential sold price, from $827,000 in November 2022 to $885,500 last month. Buyers are still showing up: there’s steady demand and potential competition for each available home that’s in good condition and well-priced. King County condos also saw a year-over-year price increase, with the median sold price up 4% in November to $485,000.

Seattle saw a 5% increase in the median sold price of a single-family home, up from October’s $900,000 to $944,000 last month. The market kept some momentum in November, with 48% of Seattle homes selling at or above asking price and 79% going under contract in 30 days or less. Condo prices saw a 21% year-over-year jump, from $480,500 in November 2022 to $582,750 last month. This price growth flew in the face of significant supply, at 3.4 months of inventory.

The Eastside median residential sold price experienced a modest decline in November, down 1% from October’s $1,420,000 to $1,400,000 last month. However, the November price was still up 6% from November 2022, while 75% of sold listings went under contract in 30 days or less. Residential inventory remained fairly flat on the Eastside, increasing slightly from 1.5 months in October to 1.6 months in November. Eastside condo prices increased last month, with a median sold price of $620,000, up from $569,500 in November 2022.

Snohomish County saw a year-over-year bump in prices last month. The median sold price for a single-family home rose from $700,000 last November to $725,000 this November. Supply stood at just 1.3 months at the end of the month, down 32% from this time last year. Condo prices also rose, from $507,500 in November 2022 to $521,209 last month.

As winter unfolds, it’s crucial for buyers and sellers to work with a knowledgeable broker to navigate this churning real estate market. Together you can create a strategy that best supports your real estate goals for the new year.

EASTSIDE

KING COUNTY

SEATTLE

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.

Bellevue Real Estate • Local Love • Market Stats • Windermere Bellevue Commons News • November 10, 2023

Local Market Update – November 2023

by Bellevue Commons

Despite the expected seasonal lull, 33% of homes are selling above list price in an average of just 6 days. This demonstrates a willingness for buyers to compete for the most desirable properties. Condo prices rose 9% year-over-year to $540,000, versus $494,975. Following modest price gains from August to September, the Seattle residential market saw a 5% decrease in the median sold price for single-family homes between September and October, from $926,000 to $900,000.

Inventory dropped slightly, spurring an increase in the number of homes selling over list price by 5% compared to September. Homes sold, on average, in 6 days. Sold condo prices were 10% higher year-over-year, rising from $522,500 in October 2022 to $573,750 last month. By the end of October, Seattle condo inventory was at 3.6 months’ supply, double the amount for single-family homes.

On the Eastside, median sold prices dropped slightly from $1,427,500 in September to $1,420,000 last month, though demand remained high. The portion of homes selling above list price increased to 34% in October, which is more than double the percentage selling over list price at the same time last year.

There was also a notable year-over-year difference in months of inventory: 1.5 last month, versus 2.4 in October 2022. Condos on the Eastside sold for about 8% more year-over-year, increasing from a median sold price of $607,500 last year to $657,000 last month. The October median sold price of a Snohomish County single-family home remained flat year-over-year, at $729,950.

Homes selling above list price dropped from 31% in September to 26% last month, the only region covered here with a drop in this metric. That’s still a large increase from October 2022, when 13% of closed sales were over list price. Residential inventory dropped by 38% from October 2022, while the number of listed Snohomish County condos dropped by 23% year-over-year.

The early part of the calendar year typically sees an increase in multiple offers, driven by sellers listing properties in the spring and by a seasonal influx of motivated buyers. With the new year on the horizon and an expected increase in both inventory and buyer activity, now’s the perfect time to chat with your Windermere broker about how to navigate the current market to match your goals.

EASTSIDE

KING COUNTY

SEATTLE

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.

Bellevue Real Estate • Local Love • Market Stats • Windermere Bellevue Commons News • October 11, 2023

Local Market Update – October 2023

by Bellevue Commons

With the fall season finally upon us, the behavior of the housing market is like the range in outdoor temperatures: somewhere between warm to cool. There’s a lower overall volume of home sales than in recent years, but at the same times buyers are moving quickly and assertively on highly desired properties, despite higher interest rates.

Although these interest rates could make it more difficult for sellers to see significant price gains in the near future, the high demand for homes after a prolonged inventory drought in our region is likely to keep buyer activity on accurately priced listings unseasonably warm.

Overall, buyers and sellers are likely to experience this fall as something of a transitional period. The market has slowed considerably after the frenzy of the pandemic, and interest rates have yet to stabilize. It’s most likely that the market will remain slow until sometime in the new year, at which point either interest rates will have dropped slightly, buyers will be better equipped to manage them, or sidelined sellers will grow tired of waiting.

Despite a September slowdown in home sales, King County did see price gains for residential listings and condos. The median price for single-family homes increased about 3% year-over-year, from $875,000 in September 2022 to $900,000 last month. Around one-third of listings in the county sold over list price last month, in an average of just 6 days. Properties that sold at list price spent around 10 days on the market. Condos rose a more noticeable 7% in September, from $483,000 to $515,000.

The Seattle residential market also saw modest price gains, with the median sold price of single-family homes increasing from $900,000 last September to $926,000 this September. Around 29% of listings sold over list price, in an average of 5 days. Those that sold at list price spent a slightly longer 11 days on market, however this still indicates that buyers are prepared to move quickly on properties that are accurately priced. Condos in the city also saw a respectable 10% price increase year-over-year, rising from $499,000 in September 2022 to $550,000 last month. With nearly 3 month’s inventory, the Seattle condo market may have the highest inventory rate and be the most balanced market in the region at this time.

On the Eastside, prices crept up around 6% from $1,350,000 in September 2022 to $1,427,500 last month. Demand is still high in the area, with 32% of listings selling above list price, averaging just 5 days on market. Those that sold at their list price were purchased within 6 days. Condos on the Eastside saw decent year-over-year price growth, increasing 7% from $580,000 last year to $620,000 last month.

Homes in Snohomish County saw the smallest yearly price increase, rising just 2% from $735,000 in September 2022 to $749,900 last month. Despite this lower rate of price growth, about 31% of homes sold above listing price, averaging only 6 days on the market. Those that sold at listing price spent a bit longer on the market, averaging 13 days. The condo market in Snohomish is the only niche market in the region that saw a price decrease compared to last year. In September 2022, the median price was $539,500. Last month, prices decreased about 8%, landing at a median of $498,500.

It’s likely that we will continue to see fewer unit sales in our region through the end of the year. However, if you need to buy or sell a home before then, there are opportunities to make the most of current conditions. Ask your Windermere broker for more information about how this market might align with your goals.

EASTSIDE

KING COUNTY

SEATTLE

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.

Bellevue Real Estate • Local Love • Market Stats • Windermere Bellevue Commons News • September 12, 2023

Local Market Update – September 2023

by Bellevue Commons

As summer draws to a close, the local housing market remains somewhat unsettled. This is due to persistently high interest rates that have caused buyers to pause and sellers to hold onto their pandemic-era mortgage rates, as well as low inventory increasing competition for the available listings. Sold home prices in some areas have begun to see year-over-year price increases in relation to the slowdown that hit the market at the end of last year.

Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner remarked on this trend. “Historically, the number of homes for sale slows in August,” he said. “Where sales did occur, prices rose between July and August in King and Pierce counties.” Gardner also described these conditions as “very unique times” in the housing market.

While these conditions may be challenging to navigate, sellers are still finding success with correctly-priced listings. New listings are attracting multiple offers and often sell over list price. Buyers who come prepared with strategic offers and a willingness to waive contingencies can break into the market with the guidance of a savvy broker.

King County was one of the regions that saw year-over-year price gains. The median price for a single-family home rose 0.7% from $899,999 in August 2022 to $906,250 last month. Condos saw even bigger gains, likely due to their better affordability for new homebuyers. The median price for condos in August was $525,000, up 8.25% from $485,000 the same time a year ago.

The Seattle market hasn’t quite caught up to its pricing from this time last year. There, the median price for single-family homes in August was $899,000, down about 3% from $927,000 in August 2022. On the other hand, the condo market saw a 10.5% price increase year-over-year, rising from $520,000 in 2022 to $575,000 last month.

Eastside median sold prices fared better. After a somewhat sluggish summer in terms of pricing, last month the median price for single-family homes rose to $1,453,000. That’s an increase of 7.6% from $1,350,000 in August 2022. Condos in the area also saw price growth, with median sold prices increasing 5.4% from $569,000 last year to $600,475 in August.

Like Seattle, Snohomish County also hasn’t caught up to its 2022 prices, though this is likely because the county had fewer fluctuations in the last year and may be experiencing the typical end-of-summer slowdown that is common in the housing market. There, the median price for single-family homes was down 2.6% from $749,999 last August to $730,563 this year. The condo market was virtually unchanged in pricing, increasing from $474,999 in August 2022 to an even $475,000 last month.

In all the areas mentioned above, condos generally saw the most notable price gains. This is likely due to their greater affordability for first-time homebuyers and those in the median price-bracket. With interest rates still fluctuating, many buyers are rethinking their plans and may be pivoting to the condo market, thus driving up demand and prices.

Matthew Gardner sees the current real estate market as still “lack[ing] direction,” due to the ongoing interest rate issues. He says “it likely won’t find its footing until mortgage rates start to pull back, which I expect to see as we enter the fall months – and assuming the U.S. economy continues to moderate.”

The remainder of the year will set the tone for how the market looks in 2024. Until then, your Windermere broker can help you navigate these changing conditions and find a strategy that’s best for your buying or selling journey.

EASTSIDE

KING COUNTY

SEATTLE

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.

Bellevue Real Estate • Local Love • Market Stats • Windermere Bellevue Commons News • August 15, 2023

Local Market Update – August 2023

by Bellevue Commons

The dog days of summer are upon us, and along with stifling heat comes a sluggish market. High interest rates and a dearth of available inventory are driving prices up and slowing sales across the region.

One major contributor to the low supply of homes is the phenomenon of homeowners protecting their sweet pandemic-era mortgage rates of 3-4%. Rather than selling and having to manage interest rates that are currently in 7% range, they are choosing to stay put. This means homes that otherwise might have been on the market this time of year are also staying put, and would-be buyers are competing for very limited inventory.

According to Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner, July’s active listings in the tri-county market were fewer than in any July on record, excepting the pandemic year of July, 2021.

Gardner also noted that “With mortgage rates unlikely to move tangibly lower during the balance of the summer, I don’t expect the market to move much over the coming months, both in terms of sales and prices.” But he did add that “If the economy starts to soften this fall, rates could start to fall and this could revitalize the market.”

The key now seems to be accurately pricing the listings that are available. While there’s limited inventory, mortgage rates are putting a damper on buying power. Buyers may already be forced to compromise on lifestyle and location for mid-tier properties. They won’t want to compromise on price as well.

In King County, the median sold price for a single-family home was $897,500 in July, up from $890,000 in July, 2022. Condos also saw a boost, landing at a median of $510,000 last month—up from $490,000 a year ago. This is likely due to high demand and strong competition from buyers in the area.

In Seattle, the necessity of pricing homes accurately is clear. As an example, 69% of Seattle single family homes sold in under 15 days in July, and these generated sold prices that were 100.1% of their list price. Those that took longer than two weeks to sell, however, closed at 97.5% of list price.

Seattle sold prices softened a bit in July. The median price for a single-family home in the city was $899,950, down from $954,500 a year ago. On the other hand, condo prices rose to $550,000 last month, up from $537,000 a year ago.

Low inventory on the Eastside had the effect of pushing up home prices in July, when the median sold price of a single-family home was $1,500,000. That’s an increase from $1,420,000 in July 2022. It’s also the first month since September of last year that Eastside median prices have increased from the year prior, so the mid-summer market has shown some heat. Eastside condo prices also increased last month, with a median sold price of $600,000, up from $575,000 a year ago.

Snohomish County saw prices soften slightly last month. The median sold price for a single-family home dropped from $770,000 last July to $751,250 this July. Even with less than one month’s inventory, interest rates are slowing sales and causing prices to drop. Condo prices also dipped slightly, from $500,000 in July 2022 to $495,000 last month. The county’s condo market had only .7 months of inventory, but this supply squeeze couldn’t completely counter high interest rates when it came to the impact on sold prices.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that now more than ever, sellers and buyers need to tether their real estate interests to a knowledgeable broker who will help them navigate these fluctuating market dynamics. If you have questions about what current market conditions mean for you, reach out to your Windermere broker.

EASTSIDE

KING COUNTY

SEATTLE

SNOHOMISH COUNTY