Newsletter • September 17, 2020

Homebuyer Tips for Winning a Home in a Seller’s Market

by Alexandra Davis

We’ve said it so many times, but it is so true: these are unprecedented times! In relation to the real estate market, there are many factors that are contributing to this environment. First and foremost, we are living through a global pandemic. Our daily lives have changed and they will probably never be quite like they were before. Besides this major upheaval in life as we know it, we have the lowest interest rates ever in history (this won’t last forever), formidable equity levels, and we are at the corner of a generational shift. These factors are fueling demand in the real estate market despite the challenges the pandemic has brought to light. In fact, the pandemic has influenced some very big lifestyle moves due to having time to reflect on goals and the new normal of working remotely.

Low interest rates, Baby Boomers retiring, Millennials stepping up to the home-ownership plate, Gen X settling into their forever homes, and commute times becoming less important are the ingredients in the proverbial pot that is being stirred in the 2020 real estate market. The demand is high! Couple that with a reduction in new listings over the last year and it is competitive. Sellers are in such a favorable position and buyers are devising solid plans to win a home with the lowest debt service in history.

Before I share some tips on how to win a home in today’s market, let’s look at the numbers. 2020 started off with abnormally low inventory levels following 2019 when we were headed toward more balance in the marketplace. Then COVID hit and the market briefly stalled. There were 8 weeks in King County and 4 weeks in Snohomish County from the onset of COVID where the market performed under 80% of the pending sales rate in 2019. We adjusted rather quickly as the influence of the demand mentioned above found its way with masks on and hand sanitizer at the ready.

Now that we have established that the demand is strong, debt service is low, and that lifestyle moves are leading the way, how do you make it happen if you want to participate?

Partner with a Broker Who Will Get the Job Done
A broker that has a process is key! It starts with an initial buyer consultation. I liken the buyer consultation to the seat belt you would wear on a roller coaster. The buyer consultation aims to unearth a buyer’s goals, research the areas they are interested in, address financing, and illustrate the challenges of the environment, so one can be successful. Time is money, and this consultation brings clarity, efficiency, and trust. This upfront education coupled with a high level of communication and availability is paramount. The depth of the relationship will lead to success and is the ingredient that enables a buyer to throw up their hands and take the thrilling plunge on the roller coaster. It is hard to do that without a seat belt!

Get Your Finances in Order
Aligning with a trusted real estate professional is key, but so is aligning with a reputable and responsive mortgage lender. Getting pre-approved is the minimum, but getting pre-underwritten is a game-changer. Finding a lender that is willing to put in the work up-front to vet credit, income, savings, debt, and all other financial indicators will lead to being pre-underwritten, which listing agents and sellers appreciate! Also, be aware that you do not always need to have a huge down payment to make a purchase work. Employment, assets, credit, and what you have saved all work into your ability to acquire a loan. I have seen plenty of people secure a home with 3-5% down. Education and awareness create clarity, and investing into understanding your financial footing equals empowered and more efficient decisions. Note that I mentioned “responsive”. This is a 24/7 market, and lenders who don’t work evenings and weekends can get in the way of a buyer securing a home. If you need a shortlist of lenders that fit this description, please contact me.

Be Willing to Take Calculated Risks
Buyer due diligence is key to making a sound investment. Even though timelines are tight and buyers must act swiftly, it is not time to just throw caution to the wind. Having some funds set aside to perform a pre-inspection will help a buyer make a purchase with both eyes open and be competitive. Also, going back to getting pre-underwritten, this could empower a buyer to waive financing and beat out all-cash buyers.

Strategizing Down Payment Funds
Many buyers are moving big chunks of equity from their previous home to the one they are buying. Equity levels are deep and prevailing buyers are commonly reserving some of their equity to offset appraisal risk for a seller. The market is appreciating so rapidly that a buyer holding back down payment funds and shifting them to an appraisal safety net has been one of the most successful strategies to help a buyer win a home. The best part is the safety net only seldomly has to be used. This plays into the calculated risk category and also highlights the importance of a good lender and broker to help navigate such decisions.

The Triangle of Buyer Clarity
Buyers must be realistic with their expectations. The triangle of buyer clarity rests on the three corners of Location, Price, and Condition. If a buyer continues to run into walls when making offers it typically has to do with the need to adjust one of the corners of the triangle. Buying a home take compromise, especially with such low inventory. By staying connected to the big picture of building wealth with low debt service, gaining a home that will work with your goals may require an adjustment of location, price, or level of condition. Focusing on the triangle of buyer clarity and talking it through during the buying process leads to clarity and success. A rule of thumb to bear in mind is that when a home starts to check 75% of your boxes, it should be considered.

The 2020 real estate market has provided a ton of opportunity during a very challenging time. It’s been a bright light in the economy. If you are curious about how the current market relates to your housing and financial goals, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep my clients informed so they are empowered to make strong decisions. Be well!

We are proud to be the official real estate company of the Seattle Seahawks! The best part of this partnership is our #TackleHomelessness campaign. For every home-game tackle the Hawks make, the Windermere Foundation donates $100 to Mary’s Place which provides safe, inclusive shelter and services supporting women, children and families on their journey out of homelessness.
Go Hawks!

Community Events & Info • Newsletter • August 18, 2020

When Equity Meets Lifestyle: Sellers Moving Out, the Push to the Burbs, & Who’s Coming into the City

by Alexandra Davis

Over the last 5 years, housing has had abundant price appreciation, providing substantial equity for homeowners to utilize to make meaningful lifestyle moves or invest back into where they are. In King County, the median price has appreciated from $463,000 to $689,000 since July 2015, which is a 49% increase equaling $226,000! In Snohomish County, the median price has appreciated from $340,000 to $515,000 since July 2015, which is a 51% increase equaling $175,000. Bring on a global pandemic that has turned the world as we know it on its heels and the needs and desires for housing are starting to change! Solid equity positions and the changes brought on by the pandemic are creating The Big American Move.

In a July survey by Realtor.com the results show that consumers are looking for larger interior spaces, more spacious outdoor areas, and a desire to move to suburban areas from urban locations. This has been fueled by the ability to work remotely, providing many homeowners the opportunity to pivot to locations not driven by commute times, but by the overall enjoyment of the spaces that the home and yard provide. In fact in that same survey, 2 out of 3 consumers noted the ability to work remotely was fueling their decision to move. Some are fleeing from urban density to more wide-open spaces to provide more room to roam for children as on-line school looked to be the plan for 2020-21.

The pandemic has also spurred retirement for many, as well as adding the big retirement or second-home move to the east of the mountains or out of state. These markets are much more affordable, and folks that spent many years in their homes in King and Snohomish Counties are selling and turning their big chunks of equity into their dream oasis in the mountains, by the beach, or in the desert. Many of these purchases are able to be made all-cash due to the affordability of these areas in relation to liquidated equity. This simplifies life with no mortgage payments to maintain. An agent in my office just shared that of the last ten listings she had, eight either went east or out of state.

The established equity, increased demand, low inventory, and the lowest interest rates we have ever seen have created one of the most vital housing markets ever. According to Housing Wire, the rebound in the housing market since the National Emergency was announced has been shockingly strong. Meyers Research calls it nothing short of remarkable. Home purchase mortgage applications are up year-over-year for 11 straight weeks since mid-May.

Seven out of nine economists predict national price growth in 2020. Locally, Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner predicts 5% year-over-year appreciation. In July, King County’s median price for Single Family Residential Homes (SFR) is up 3% complete year-over-year and Snohomish County (SFR) 6%. The higher price growth in Snohomish County is a reflection of the push to the suburbs and affordability.

John Burns Consulting is calling this The Great American Mov e. The phenomenon is being fueled by safety reasons, financial prospects, life-change improvements, personal comfort, and employment. They expect a surge in household and business relocations over the next few months that will provide new, strategic opportunities for the real estate market.

The Greater Seattle job market is still strong in many sectors and commutes will come back. While folks are cashing out their equity and going for larger spaces because they can, the Millennial generation is still very much attracted to the in-city neighborhoods. We have not seen this wealth transfer hurt these markets, as it is perfect timing for the maturing Millennials to put roots down in urban locations as they flourish in their careers, migrate to our area for work, marry, or start families.

2020 has been downright astonishing in regards to the housing market. In fact, it has felt like two different worlds managing the pace of such a brisk real estate market during a time where we have slowed down and simplified our daily lives. Maintaining the safety of everyone around me by observing all the proper safety protocols has been a top priority. I’ve felt a great responsibility to help my clients navigate some very big lifestyle decisions through the purchase and sale of their real estate. It has been an honor and something I take very seriously. It is always my goal to help keep my clients informed and to empower strong decisions, especially during this unprecedented time. Please reach out if you’d like me to answer any questions or shed light on the trends in your area. Be safe, be well!

For many of us, all the extra time at home this year has sparked bouts of decluttering and purging. Whether you have already cleaned out your linen closet, or you’re still planning to tackle the garage, an important key in this process is what to do with all the stuff.

Most thrift stores in King and Snohomish counties are open under Phase 2 right now, but many of the more well-known spots have restrictions on what they will take, and when they are accepting donations. If you’ve made your way through a donation line at Goodwill, you probably know that they are not currently accepting any furniture. But did you know that many of the smaller, independent shops are taking large pieces?

Do a Google search for “thrift stores near me”, and call the smaller ones to see what their donation acceptance policies are during COVID. Or use this great national directory where you can put in your zip code and find lots of nearby shops.

Below are a few Puget Sound organizations where your gently used household donations support important causes like homelessness and youth mentoring. Make sure to check their website or call for their current COVID policies.

Habitat for Humanity
Big Brothers Big Sisters Puget Sound
See if there is a women’s shelter near you that is in need of household items or clothes
St Vincent de Paul Seattle
Northwest Center
And of course, here are the links for Goodwill, Value Village and Salvation Army.

Community Events & Info • August 18, 2020

8 Tips for Back to School During COVID-19

by Alexandra Davis

Here we are again, with a new school year right around the corner. We all know that this year won’t be anything like what we’re used to, or what we hoped for… those fresh supplies, cute outfits, and all the “first day of school” pictures spamming our Facebook feed. Your family might be mourning what should have been, or you might be stressed just thinking about how you’re ever going to manage it all. Regardless of the initial opening decision your school has made, or what you have decided is best for your family, there is a lot of uncertainty ahead of us this fall and winter.

Below are a collection of tips and strategies I’ve put together for making the most (or maybe just surviving) this coming school year. It won’t look like a “normal” fall, but maybe we can still make it a good one.

Plan a daily routine

Take the time before the year begins to plan out a daily schedule and family routine. It is tempting to let everyone sleep in as much as possible and log into their Zoom sessions from bed, but it won’t be the best scenario for truly learning or engaging. Having structure and goals to work towards will set up your students for success and give them a sense of security and predictability.

Verify Materials

Make sure you have everything your kids will need to be successful. Your supply list this year might be fewer pens and markers and folders, and more along the lines of a PDF reader, note-taking apps, noise-canceling headphones, a stable WiFi connection, and pertinent account log-in information.

You might also think about purchasing some of those fresh, fun supplies, even if you won’t really need them. Maintaining a sense of normalcy will be important for everyone’s sanity. Some fun or pretty things for the kids to start the year with might go a long way for keeping their spirits up.

Create a Learning Environment

Everyone knows the learning environment is important. A space too isolated could create opportunity to slack off. Sitting at the kitchen table might prove to be too distracting. Really think about what each person’s needs are and be prepared to move or switch things around if you find something isn’t working well.

When creating everyone’s work space, think about distractions, comfort, and access to power. Try to eliminate distractions as much as possible. Background noise or music can help with concentration. Help your child create a playlist of soothing music, or try an app like this one for productivity and focus.

Plan Each Day

This is not the same as your family routine or school schedule. Help your student to make a plan for each day by taking a few minutes every morning to look at their schedule and assignments, and create a specific plan for that specific day. This will be especially helpful for older kids who might have lots of projects to juggle and independent work that can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed.

Center the Child, Not the Work

This may not be for every household, as it’s definitely more of a parenting philosophy. Some families may find it much more important during this uncertain time to prioritize working hard, rather than getting good grades. If nothing else, keep in mind that we are in unprecedented times, and everyone deserves some grace as we move through this. Our children included.

Encourage a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset doesn’t put the focus on what they’re learning in school, but rather how to think about what they’re learning. Developing a growth mindset will help your student reframe how they approach challenges in every aspect of their life. Kids with a growth mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and performance can improve over time. It’s the subtle difference between “I can’t do this homework. I don’t understand science.” and “I can’t do this homework yet. I don’t understand how to make sense of this problem.” Students with growth mindset see mistakes as ways to learn and will persist in the face of setbacks. We all need more of this, pandemic or not.

Mask Prep

Even if your school is 100% remote learning for the beginning of the year, we should be preparing our kids now for the possibility of a hybrid learning model that will hopefully come later in the school year. Most of us are familiar by now with wearing masks to the grocery store or in the park, but those situations are not the same as wearing a mask for 7 hours straight during a school day. Start preparing your student now for extended mask wearing.

Make sure you have several masks that properly fit your child.
Practice is key. Don’t expect perfection at first, especially with younger kids. Just know that the more they wear masks, the more comfortable they will feel. Practicing at home gives them a safe space to take it off when they need a break.
Build endurance. Start small, the way you would with any new habit. Have them wear the mask for small increments of time, and gradually build up.
Make it fun. Do fun activities while they have it on. Let them pick out the colors or the fabric, or buy plain ones along with fabric paint and let them design their own. Disposable masks can be personalized with stickers around the edges. Help them enjoy wearing the mask by letting it reflect their personality.
Explain the “why”. Children need to know why they have to wear the mask. Talk to them about germs and how the mask helps to prevent spreading sickness. Have lots of conversations with your teens and middle-school kids so they are armed with facts and information in case they experience peer pressure to stop wearing it.
Model what you want your kids to imitate. When you are asking your child to wear a mask, you should wear it along with them, even around the home when they are practicing.

Exercise Daily

This might get difficult when the winter weather sets in, but it is so important that we are all exercising every day. Even just a 30 minute walk does wonders for our bodies and our minds. Physical activity will make your student feel better, function better, learn better, and sleep better. It will reduce anxiety and improve overall health. Make this one a priority!

Community Events & Info • August 11, 2020

Where to Donate Household Items during COVID-19

by Alexandra Davis

Most thrift stores in King & Snohomish counties are open under Phase 2 right now, but many of the more well-known spots have restrictions on what they will take, and when they are accepting donations. If you’ve made your way through a donation line at Goodwill, you probably know that they are not currently accepting any furniture. But did you know that many of the smaller, independent shops are taking large pieces?

Habitat for Humanity
Big Brothers Big Sisters Puget Sound
See if there is a women’s shelter near you that is in need of household items or clothes
St Vincent de Paul Seattle
Northwest Center
And of course, here are the links for Goodwill, Value Village and Salvation Army.

Leave a comment if you have a favorite thrift shop in the area that is taking donations!

Community Events & Info • Newsletter • August 5, 2020

Updated 2020 Forecast

by Alexandra Davis

As we head into the second half of 2020, we are starting to see the makings of a housing market recovery. There was a steep dive down in closed sales in April and May, but a quick snap back in June. This trajectory illustrates a “V” shaped change from the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis until now.

Nationally, sales are down year-to-date but they were up 21% from May to June, the largest month-over-month increase ever recorded by the National Association of Realtors. According to Matthew Gardner, Windermere’s Chief Economist and sought after expert across the nation, he sees our position as a “glass half full” reality. He just released his updated 2020 housing market forecast and believes that sales will be down year-over-year, but that prices will be up!

He believes that the strongest influence on the reduction in sales is the lack of inventory, not lack of demand. In fact, inventory levels are the lowest they have been in two decades. Currently, national prices are up 3.5% year-over-year and he anticipates that prices will end the year up 4.3%. Currently in King County, prices are up 2% year-over-year and in Snohomish County 4% year-over-year.

Eight out of the last nine weeks of pending sales in King and Snohomish counties have outperformed the pending sales for the same weeks in 2019. Historically low interest rates are driving demand, as well as many people making big lifestyle moves due to remote working, the Millennials expanding their families, and Baby Boomers retiring.

He does not anticipate a huge flood of foreclosures despite some of the noise out there. He believes the mortgage forbearance programs are providing great relief for those out of work and that this will enable those in need to hold on to their homes until their jobs return. The sizable equity position many homeowners are in across the country is also ensuring that fewer homes will be foreclosed upon.

Housing is performing very well despite the health crisis and it will be a key leading factor for the recovery of the economy overall. Unlike the 2008 Great Recession, housing is the cornerstone of economic fortitude right now. If you would like additional information or if you’re curious how the market relates to your lifestyle and bottom line, please reach out. It is my goal to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

On July 18th our office managed to pull off our annual paper shredding event. We were able to follow the proper protocols and made it a no-contact event. Guests stayed in their cars and we unloaded their trunks and sent them safely on their way. It was a relief to be able to provide this service, as it has been a long-time tradition that provides a meaningful service.

Even better is we equally billed the event this year as a food drive. The results were heartwarming, outstanding, and successful. The generosity of our guests was overwhelming and impressive! Mike from Concern For Neighbors Food Bank was thrilled when he walked in and saw all the food piled up. He mentioned that actual food donations are very low this year due to the pandemic and that this would help greatly over the coming weeks. In addition to the 2,123 lbs of food we also collected $4,122 dollars! Mike and his team will use those funds to purchase food to provide to the community in need over the next several weeks.

If you’d like to donate, please visit their website (above) to see their COVID-19 schedule and how you can help.

Quarterly Market Trends • July 18, 2020

South King County Quarterly Market Trends – Q2 2020

by Alexandra Davis

The real estate market performed very well in the second quarter despite the changing and challenging environment due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Our industry has been considered essential and required to operate with strict protocols in place to help protect the safety of buyers, sellers, brokers, and service providers. The ability to still do business helped sales churn during what would have been our busiest season, spring market.

Interest rates remain at the lowest levels we have ever seen, creating strong buyer demand and providing plentiful audiences for listings. The biggest challenge we saw in the second quarter was a lack of sufficient housing inventory for buyers to choose from, especially in the lower to medium price ranges. Understandably, would-be sellers were delayed in coming to market and some even stepped aside to survey their safety and motivation. This led to a 27% decrease in new listings in the second quarter vs. the same quarter last year. All the while, pending sales were only down 12%, illustrating the demand in comparison to supply.

This classic supply and demand scenario has helped maintain price appreciation. With only 0.7 months of available inventory based on pending sales, the median price is up 7% year-over-year. As we head into summer, we are looking to see more inventory come to market. Summer will be the new spring market as supply starts to catch up with demand while taking advantage of the longer, lighter days.

These are unprecedented times and there are many questions and concerns. It is my goal to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions, now more than ever. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss your real estate goals and how they relate to your lifestyle and bottom line. Be well!

Quarterly Market Trends • July 18, 2020

Eastside Quarterly Market Trends – Q2 2020

by Alexandra Davis

Interest rates remain at the lowest levels we have ever seen, creating strong buyer demand and providing plentiful audiences for listings. The biggest challenge we saw in the second quarter was a lack of sufficient housing inventory for buyers to choose from, especially in the lower to medium price ranges. Understandably, would-be sellers were delayed in coming to market and some even stepped aside to survey their safety and motivation. This led to a 31% decrease in new listings in the second quarter vs. the same quarter last year. All the while, pending sales were only down 20%, illustrating the demand in comparison to supply.

This classic supply and demand scenario has helped maintain price appreciation. With only 1 month of available inventory based on pending sales, the median price is up 2% year-over-year. As we head into summer, we are looking to see more inventory come to market. Summer will be the new spring market as supply starts to catch up with demand while taking advantage of the longer, lighter days.

Quarterly Market Trends • July 18, 2020

Seattle Metro Quarterly Market Trends – Q2 2020

by Alexandra Davis

Interest rates remain at the lowest levels we have ever seen, creating strong buyer demand and providing plentiful audiences for listings. The biggest challenge we saw in the second quarter was a lack of sufficient housing inventory for buyers to choose from, especially in the lower to medium price ranges. Understandably, would-be sellers were delayed in coming to market and some even stepped aside to survey their safety and motivation. This led to a 25% decrease in new listings in the second quarter vs. the same quarter last year. All the while, pending sales were only down 10%, illustrating the demand in comparison to supply.

This classic supply and demand scenario has helped maintain price appreciation. With only 0.9 months of available inventory based on pending sales, the median price remained even year-over-year. As we head into summer, we are looking to see more inventory come to market. Summer will be the new spring market as supply starts to catch up with demand while taking advantage of the longer, lighter days.

Quarterly Market Trends • July 18, 2020

North King County Quarterly Market Trends – Q2 2020

by Alexandra Davis

Interest rates remain at the lowest levels we have ever seen, creating strong buyer demand and providing plentiful audiences for listings. The biggest challenge we saw in the second quarter was a lack of sufficient housing inventory for buyers to choose from, especially in the lower to medium price ranges. Understandably, would-be sellers were delayed in coming to market and some even stepped aside to survey their safety and motivation. This led to a 51% decrease in new listings in the second quarter vs. the same quarter last year. All the while, pending sales were only down 15%, illustrating the demand in comparison to supply.

This classic supply and demand scenario has helped maintain price appreciation. With only 0.8 months of available inventory based on pending sales, the median price remained even year-over-year. As we head into summer, we are looking to see more inventory come to market. Summer will be the new spring market as supply starts to catch up with demand while taking advantage of the longer, lighter days.

Quarterly Market Trends • July 18, 2020

South Snohomish County Quarterly Market Trends – Q2 2020

by Alexandra Davis

Interest rates remain at the lowest levels we have ever seen, creating strong buyer demand and providing plentiful audiences for listings. The biggest challenge we saw in the second quarter was a lack of sufficient housing inventory for buyers to choose from, especially in the lower to medium price ranges. Understandably, would-be sellers were delayed in coming to market and some even stepped aside to survey their safety and motivation. This led to a 26% decrease in new listings in the second quarter vs. the same quarter last year. All the while, pending sales were only down 7%, illustrating the demand in comparison to supply.

This classic supply and demand scenario has helped maintain price appreciation. With only 0.6 months of available inventory based on pending sales, the median price is up 5% complete year-over-year. As we head into summer, we are looking to see more inventory come to market. Summer will be the new spring market as supply starts to catch up with demand while taking advantage of the longer, lighter days.