May 2013 Homes Sales Report King County & Eastside Cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah and Sammamish. May of 2013 King County closed sales were up modestly 19.3% from May 2012 (3122 v 2618). The Eastside showed closed sales up 23.4% (1077 v 873) The median home price in King County in May was up 15.39% to $375,000 The Eastside showed gains with a median sales price up 13.41% to $499,000. That's a 13.67% increase since a median sales price of $439,000 back in January 2013 In this months Home Sales Report Pending sales across King County are up 6.01%, and up 6.37% on the Eastside. Inventory year over year from last year is still in decline. In May total active listings were down again a 26.70% in King County and down 29.62% on the Eastside from May of 2013. In past home sales... 06/21/2013

This summer play in your own backyard at one of the Beautiful Seattle-Eastside Swimming Beaches. Today in addition to our Eastside Real Estate we have compiled a list of the best Seattle-Eastside swimming beaches for you to explore this summer. All of the beaches listed have stunning views of the various lakes around the Eastside Area. We have also included an overview of the amenities and activities available at each park. If you have a favorite Beach Park on the Eastside that you do not see here, share with us in the comment area. If you are considering making those waterfront views a permanent home, check out the waterfront homes available here. Seattle-Eastside Swimming Beaches Clyde Beach Park: Located on Lake Washington Boulevard in Bellevue, this park offers views of Lake Washin... 06/21/2013

  West Bellevue’s real estate’s market staying strong heading into summer The median list price in West Bellevue, WA 98004 this week is $1,598,000 down slightly  from last weeks $1,677,000.  Inventory has been lightening lately and the Market Action Index (MAI see chart below) has been trending up.  These are mildly positive indications for the market. Supply and Demand In the last few weeks the real estate market in West Bellevue has a relatively stasis point in terms of sales to inventory.  However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch changes in the MAI.  If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb. Price Recently we have seen prices in  West Bellevue settling around this plateau even though they dip slightly this week... 06/18/2013

  West Bellevue’s real estate’s inventory trending lower The median list price in West Bellevue, WA 98004 this week is $1,677,000 up slightly  from last weeks $1,595,000.  With inventory and days-on-market basically unchanged and the The Market Action Index  (MAI see below chart) increasing, the market is not sending strong directional signals for the near-term. Supply and Demand In the last few weeks the real estate market in West Bellevue has a relatively stasis point in terms of sales to inventory.  However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s zone so watch changes in the MAI.  If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb. Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue hovering around these current levels, even though they bumped up a b... 06/11/2013

Hello all: I hope you had a nice weekend. I wanted to follow up with my thoughts on HARP 2.0-what you need to know. For those of you either late to the game or not aware of what HARO 2.0 is all about, it was a program designed to allow underwater homeowners to refinance their mortgages. Sometimes the benefits have been tremendous. For example, one of my clients saved over $400/month on her payment and I have another one who will save over $500. With that in mind here is what you need to know either in order to refinance yourself or spread the good news. 1) The loan must be owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and have been sold to them by May 31, 2009. You can check whether your loan is owned by one of these entities by Googling either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan lookup and ente... 06/10/2013

Home sellers in Bellevue are getting the message that local real estate inventory is low.  Buyers in Bellevue just keep upping the stakes to a higher level. Bellevue Months of Real Estate Inventory Vs. New Listings New listings in Bellevue jumped to 214 during May.  That's the highest number of new real estate listings in four years.  While it provided a significant boost to the pool of choices for home buyers in Bellevue, it wasn't nearly enough to satiate their appetites. The boost in real estate listings for May was an 18.8 percent gain over April.  That would have been enough in any of the past 5 or 6 years to increase the total inventory available to buyers. New sales, however, ate up those listings so quickly that the inventory in Bellevue remained flat.  There continues to be jus... 06/10/2013

  Mithun designed neo-contemporary home in Enatai open Sunday   View location. Enatai scored a 81 on areavibes livability index. Ranking very as a exceptional livable community that with lots of local amenities, low crime rate, stable housing market and high graduation rates. See Enatai’s livability scorecard……. The Mithun designed neo-contemporary home The home’s terrific floor-plan maximizes views of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington from most rooms, vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows allow for a tremendous amount of natural daylighting.  Floor to ceiling glass entry creates a nice connection to the outdoors while adding to the interior ambiance.  Extremely flexible kitchen with eating/entertaining area opening to covered outdoor living area that has the look and feel of a lodge’s ... 06/07/2013

  West Bellevue’s list prices slightly higher overall market showing slowing signs  The median list price in West Bellevue, WA 98004 this week is $1,596,500 up slightly  from last weeks $1,595,000.  The Market Action Index  (MAI see below chart) has been trending down  lately, while inventory is climbing.  These trends  imply a weakening market. Supply and Demand In the last few weeks the real estate market in West Bellevue has a relatively stasis point in terms of sales to inventory.  However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s zone so watch changes in the MAI.  If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb. Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action In... 06/03/2013

As Bellevue's real estate market continues to heat up in late Spring, we're seeing a building momentum of pending sales.  Closed home sales have been on the rise throughout 2013 and those closings are significantly higher than years past, but the overwhelming number of new signed contracts points to a summer of real estate sales that dwarfs the current market. Pending Bellevue Homes vs. Homes Sold, Monthly A total of 6,260 houses and condos were sold in April in Bellevue.  That represents an 8.9 percent gain over March, and is right on track with previous months' gains.  The increased home sales partially represent the usual seasonal cycle of Spring increases, but also a significant bump from the current demand in the market. Pending sales, in the meantime, rose 5.3 percent during the s... 05/28/2013

   West Bellevue’s real estate market still in Seller’s zone  The median list price in West Bellevue, WA 98004 this week is $1,595,000 up slightly  from last weeks $1,590,000.  With inventory and days-on-market increasing, the market is not sending strong directional signals for the near-term outlook.   Supply and Demand The Market Action Index for  West Bellevue in the last few weeks has achieved a relative stasis point in terms of sales to inventory.  However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch changes in the MAI.  If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb. Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices mo... 05/28/2013

Mithun designed neo-contemporary home open Memorial Day weekend This Memorial Day weekend you have to chances to view the Mithun designed neo-contemporary home in Enatai.  The home is open Saturday May 26 from 11AM-2PM and Sunday May 27th from 1PM-4PM. View location The Mithun designed neo-contemporary home The home’s terrific floor-plan maximizes views of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington from most rooms, vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows allow for a tremendous amount of natural daylighting.  Floor to ceiling glass entry creates a nice connection to the outdoors while adding to the interior ambiance.  Extremely flexible kitchen with eating/entertaining area opening to covered outdoor living area that has the look and feel of a lodge’s great room. The airy designed lends itself to ... 05/23/2013

Real estate listing inventory in West Bellevue increasing  The median list price in West Bellevue, WA 98004 this week is $1,590,000 down slightly  from last weeks $1,595,000.  The  Market Action Index (MAI see below chart) has been trending lower for several weeks while inventory is climbing.  These trends imply a weakening market.   Supply and Demand The Market Action Index for  West Bellevue has been trending lower for several weeks while prices have remained relatively stable.  If inventory continues to grow relative to demand however, it is likely that we will see downward pressure on pricing.  Price The market for  West Bellevue has been bouncing around this price plateau for awhile.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these le... 05/21/2013

Biking in and around Bellevue's Enatai neighborhood Living in Bellevue’s Enatai neighborhood offers many options to enjoy the many scenic bicycle routes in and around Bellevue.  The scenic routes range from a 6.2 Mercer Island – Issaquah Connection to a the 30 mile Bellevue Scenic Route which goes around the premier of Bellevue along  Lake Washington east to Lake Sammamish Parkway and then heading north to Marymoor Park. Maps and tips for enjoying cycling in and around Bellevue. Upcoming bicycle event Explore Bellevue’s hidden treasures by bike on the Lake to Lake Bike Ride on June 15. Bring Dad – and the whole family – on the Father’s Day weekend event. This enjoyable, non-competitive ride benefits the City of Bellevue’s youth camp scholarship fund. Routes: There are two routes — the ... 05/17/2013

Pending sales of homes in Bellevue hit a five year high in April, creating a scenario where we're likely to see record-breaking real estate sales throughout 2013.  Bellevue had 233 house and condo listings go under contract during the month of April, up from 184 in the previous month.  The 26 percent increase is a larger than typical boost for this time of the year, although real estate sales naturally rise through late spring and summer. The total number of pending sales is a 23 percent increase over the same month last year, when just 189 home purchase contracts were signed in Bellevue.  Home sales over the past five years have typically peaked between May and August, so the early pace of April sales points to a summer that is likely to continue to outpace years past.   Inventory cont... 05/16/2013

Well Done Patrick! If you would like to speak with a listing agent call Patrick Rusher with Cooper Jacobs Real Estate. (206) 356-2377 patrick@cooperjacobs.com This newly renovated home has great views from every main room and a spectacular view from the living room and deck! The wonderful flow of the home is anchored by the gourmet kitchen featuring a professional style gas range & hood and new granite counters. All three bathrooms have been fully updated and the four spacious bedrooms include a master suite with walk-in closet. Large family room downstairs as well as separate laundry & hobby rooms. Also features delightful mature landscaping & two car garage. Status: UPDATED TO PENDING Click here to view other homes listed for sale in Seattle and surrounding neighborhoods. 05/15/2013

  West Bellevue’s real estate market flat in mid-May The median list price in West Bellevue, WA 98004 this week is $1,595,000 unchanged  from last weeks $1,595,000.   With inventory trending up but days-on-market trending down the  Market Action Index (MAI see below chart) is essentially flat recently, conditions do not seem to have strong up or down pull. Supply and Demand The West Bellevue market has been showing evidence of slowing recently.  Both  prices and inventory levels are relatively unchanged in recent weeks.  Watch the Market Action Index (MAI see below chart) for changes as it can be a leading indicator for price changes. Price The market for  West Bellevue has been bouncing around this price plateau for awhile.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index bef... 05/14/2013

April 2013 Homes Sales Report for King County & Eastside Cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah and Sammamish. April of 2013 King County closed sales were up modestly 18.2% from April 2012 (2672 v 2260). The Eastside showed closed sales up 15.7% (909 v 786) The median home price in King County in April was up 10.02% to $319,950 The Eastside showed gains with a median sales price up 14.17% to $429,190. Keep in mind that while the year over year gains seem high they are steady month to month see the December 2012 year in review. Pending sales across King County are up 4.10%, and up 7.06% on the Eastside. Inventory year over year from last year are still in decline. In April total active listings were down again a 37.22% in King County and down 38.94%(March 2013 43.6%) on the Eas... 05/13/2013

During fast-paced changes in a real estate market, we get to see statistics that look a bit strange sometimes.  The speed with which Bellevue homes are being sold this year has created some numbers that we haven't seen in a long time. Homes are selling at a breakneck pace in Bellevue, and in the greater Seattle market.  Nearly half of all homes are sold within two weeks on the market.  While there are still plenty of new listings coming active each month, the number of recent sales, and their speed, nearly swallowed up the entire active inventory in recent months: Bellevue Real Estate: Active Listings For Sale vs. Homes Sold, By Month The graph above shows an interesting point at the beginning of 2013, which has only changed slightly throughout the year so far.  Home buyers had scooped ... 05/11/2013

Bellevue WA – The Stop Foreclosure Institute recently received a question from another agent. Their seller had a misconception about what to do when selling an upside down home. Here is the question we received: “Do you have a number to contact Fannie Mae? The bank will not allow the seller to not do a short sale and agree to repay the loss on a promissory note. The seller wants to talk to the owner of the loan, which is Fannie Mae. My seller just wants to sell and move on with her life. Janet.” Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure. Here was our response. I understand the logic of what your seller is trying to do. They think that they can just sell the home for less than it’s worth, sign a promissory note for the difference, and ... 05/08/2013

Bellevue WA – The Stop Foreclosure Institute recently received a question from another agent. Here was her question. “I have a short sale listed. At what time in the short sale process do you stop accepting additional offers for submittal to the lender? If you accept another offer after you’ve already submitted one to the lender, does it reset your timeline to the beginning? Do you just put them in backup position? What about the poor buyer whose offer was submitted and has already been waiting for weeks for lender approval? Do you allow them to match the higher offer? You guys have so much experience, how do you handle this? Thanks! Diane.” Click here to discover how other sellers successfully did a short sale and avoided foreclosure. Here was our answer. It all depends. We like to sta... 05/08/2013