What I'm Seeing - July 2021

Though inventory eased a little last month, it is still far short of demand across all price points in Seattle and on the Eastside. Flexibility, in terms of criteria, is key for buyers who are committed to finding a home. Even in a balanced market it is rare for a buyer to find a home that is exactly what they want. In our ultra-competitive market, the buyers who succeed are not only well-prepared and responsive but are also willing to give a little on their list of “wants”. Sometimes that means expanding their search to more neighborhoods/communities, a willingness to do some updating, or compromising on that 3 car garage or fully landscaped yard. Buyers otherwise run the risk of even higher prices and lower inventory, which is what we expect by the first quarter of 2022.

How can I help? In addition to having my finger on the pulse of what is happening in all our local markets and working my hardest to help you achieve your goals, Windermere has some terrific programs to help buyers and sellers be more competitive. For qualified buyers, there is the Buyer Capital Program that enables a pre-approved buyer to purchase as if they had cash, often compelling for sellers along with the right offer terms. For Sellers, it may be tempting to throw a “For Sale” sign in the yard in anticipation of multiple offers and an escalated sales price, but it’s not quite that easy. Today’s buyers are busy and most are not interested in a “project”. To get the best price, a home not only has to be professionally presented, photographed, and marketed, it needs to look and be current. The Windermere Ready program provides funds for qualified sellers to have repairs and/or updates done with no upfront cost – the no-interest loan is paid back at closing.

Ready to jump in? Give me a call and let’s talk about how I can help!