Chad Hauer Video Real Estate Blog: Recent Episodes

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Learn three key strategies to respond to lowball offers and negotiate a better deal on your home sale.Getting a lowball offer on a home can feel like a punch in the gut, but before rejecting it outright, it is important to consider a strategic approach. The housing market in 2025 has seen some shifts, with home prices still high and interest rates hovering around 7%. So, how should a seller respond to a low offer while still maximizing their sale? Let’s explore your options.1. Recheck the market comps. Before you react, double-check that the offer is actually low. The market moves fast, and home values can shift in just a few weeks. Some experts predict a 5% price increase this spring, so make sure your pricing is still accurate. You should also look at recent sales of comparable homes in your area. You can also ask the buyer’s agent where they got their numbers—sometimes, they’re just misinformed. If you can show them stronger comps, they may be willing to adjust their offer without much negotiation.2. (Almost) Always counteroffer. Once you’ve confirmed your home’s value, don’t walk away too fast. It’s usually worth countering unless the buyer isn’t serious. Some buyers start low just to see if they can get a deal. If they refuse to negotiate or immediately shut down your counter, they probably weren’t serious to begin with. But in most cases, a counteroffer keeps the conversation going and gets you closer to your goal."Rechecking comparable sales in your area can help determine if an offer is truly low."3. Find a middle ground with better terms. Price isn’t the only thing up for negotiation. Some buyers submit low offers because they’re short on cash, not because they’re trying to take advantage of you. Instead of lowering your price, consider asking for better terms—like a shorter inspection period, a rent-back agreement, or fewer contingencies. If price is the sticking point, offering to cover some closing costs or buying down their interest rate might help bridge the gap without sacrificing your bottom line.Lowball offers aren’t fun, but they don’t have to be deal-breakers. If you’re selling this spring and want expert advice on pricing, negotiating, or market trends, let’s talk. Call or email me today—I’m here to help you get the best deal possible!

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Learn my best tips for staging while still living in your home, like ‘pre-moving,’ creating a showroom feel, and more.Selling your home while you’re still living in it might sound tricky, but it’s doable with the right strategy. After all, it pays to do a little work before you list your house–whether you’re still living in it or not. Did you know that staged homes sell 13% faster and can even bring in higher offers? With a few adjustments, you can create a space that feels fresh, inviting, and buyer-friendly while still enjoying your daily routine. As a professional real estate agent, I help homeowners like you sell faster and for top dollar—even while living in the home. Let’s go over some smart, doable steps to stage your home effectively without disrupting your life:1. Declutter and pack early. Think of it as pre-moving. Pack away seasonal clothes, personal photos, and anything you don’t use daily. This makes your space feel bigger, cleaner, and move-in ready for buyers. Plus, it reduces last-minute stress when it’s time to move. Buyers will also find it easier to envision themselves living in the home.2. Deep clean and maintain your home. A spotless home makes a huge first impression. After a deep clean, keep things easy with a simple daily routine—wipe counters, put dishes away, and keep floors clear. A little effort each day prevents last-minute stress before a showing.3. Create a showroom feel. Buyers love neutral, airy spaces. Swap out bold bedding or décor for light, inviting colors. Keep furniture arranged to make rooms feel open and welcoming. If you have kids or pets, store away extra toys and supplies to keep things tidy."By staging smartly while still living in your home, you’ll attract more buyers, sell faster, and maximize your sale price without turning your daily life upside down."4. Make a ‘showing-ready’ checklist. Before leaving for work or errands, do a quick 5-minute sweep: this involves making the beds, wiping the kitchen counters, putting away daily clutter, opening up your blinds for natural light, and setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. That way, your home is always ready when a buyer comes by.5. Plan for showings in advance. It’s best to leave the house during showings so buyers can explore comfortably. Have a go-to plan—maybe a park visit, a coffee shop break, or running errands—so it’s easy to head out whenever needed. Keep a small bag ready with essentials like snacks, chargers, and activities for kids or pets. The more prepared you are, the less stressful last-minute showings will feel.By staging smartly while still living in your home, you’ll attract more buyers, sell faster, and maximize your sale price without turning your daily life upside down. If you want more tips on preparing your home for a top-dollar sale, let’s chat! Just call or email me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Learn how to find out your home’s true value, from simple solutions like online valuations to more involved strategies like comparative market analysis.Ever wonder how much your home is actually worth? Whether you're thinking about selling, refinancing, or just curious, knowing your home’s true value is essential. But here’s the issue—many homeowners rely on the wrong sources and leave money on the table. Most people turn to quick online estimates, but those tools can be off by tens of thousands of dollars. If your home is priced too high, buyers may overlook it. Price it too low, and you’re walking away from potential profit. And when refinancing, an inaccurate valuation could mean missing out on thousands in equity. So, how do you ensure you’re working with the right number? Having helped countless homeowners maximize their home’s value, I can tell you this: understanding your home’s worth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making informed financial decisions. There are three key ways to determine your home’s true value:1. Comparative market analysis. This is a professional assessment done by a real estate expert—like me! A CMA compares your home to similar recently sold homes in your area, factoring in size, features, location, and market trends. It’s free and far more accurate than online tools."Websites like Zillow and Redfin provide quick estimates, but you shouldn’t rely on them alone."2. Professional appraisal. A licensed appraiser provides an unbiased valuation, often required for refinancing or loans. They assess your home’s condition, upgrades, and market comps. It’s the most precise method but comes at a cost of a few hundred dollars.3. Online valuation tools and research. Websites like Zillow and Redfin provide quick estimates, but you shouldn’t rely on them alone. Cross-check multiple sources and look at recently sold homes that closely match yours for a more accurate picture.Which is the best option for you? If you’re selling, a CMA gives you an accurate market value. If you’re refinancing, an appraisal is necessary. And if you’re just curious, online tools can be a starting point—but always verify with expert insight. If you’re thinking of selling or refinancing and want a precise, expert-backed valuation, let’s talk. I offer a free, no-obligation home valuation to help you make the best decision. Just call or email me to get started.

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Going over everything you need to disclose when selling your home, from location-specific information, material defects, and more.Are you selling your home this year? If so, you’ve probably wondered what exactly you need to disclose to potential buyers. Seller disclosures are more important than ever in 2025, and understanding them is key to avoiding legal headaches and closing deals quickly. Transparency isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a necessity if you want to be legally protected. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about seller disclosures to ensure a smooth and successful home sale:1. Material defects. As a seller, you’re required to disclose any known material defects that could impact your property’s value or safety. This includes issues like foundational cracks, roof leaks, or pest infestations. Even if you’ve repaired these problems, it’s essential to disclose them. Buyers need a full picture of the property’s history so they can make informed decisions. Transparency builds trust with buyers and helps prevent disputes later on. If they discover hidden issues after the sale, it could lead to legal challenges that no one wants.2. Repairs and property condition. Whether it’s structural problems, plumbing repairs, or past flooding, sellers must document and disclose these issues even if they’ve already been resolved. Buyers have a right to know what they’re walking into. By being upfront about the property’s condition and repair history, you’re not just protecting yourself from future complications; you’re also showing buyers that you’ve taken proper care of the home. Honesty here can go a long way in building trust and confidence."The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose."3. Environmental and neighborhood factors. Disclosures go beyond your home’s four walls. Sellers are also responsible for sharing information about the surrounding environment. This could include things like being in a flood zone, nearby industrial activity, or contaminated soil. It’s also a good idea to let buyers know about neighborhood-specific concerns. Providing this context allows buyers to make an informed decision and shows that you’re committed to transparency, which can set the tone for a positive and cooperative transaction.The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose. Failing to do so could result in costly legal issues that are both time-consuming and stressful. If you’re unsure about what needs to be disclosed or have other questions about selling your home, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out by phone or email to make your selling process smooth and stress-free. Transparency is the foundation of a successful sale, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

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Enhance your curb appeal, declutter and depersonalize, and highlight your home’s key features to have a faster and more profitable home sale.Looking to sell your house soon but don’t know how to get it ready for the market? Selling your home can feel like a big undertaking, but with the right preparation, you can make it stand out and attract the perfect buyer. These three essential tips will help you get your home ready for a successful sale and leave buyers impressed from the moment they arrive:1. Enhance curb appeal. First impressions matter, and curb appeal is where it all begins. When potential buyers pull up to your home, the exterior sets the tone for their entire visit. Even small details work together to create an inviting first impression. You don’t need to go all out—simple updates can make a big impact. Mow the lawn, plant some vibrant flowers, or touch up peeling paint on the front door. If it’s winter, keep walkways clear and add cozy seasonal touches like a wreath or warm lighting. The goal is to show buyers that your home is well-loved and ready to welcome its next owner.2. Declutter and depersonalize. Your goal should be to make it as easy as possible for buyers to envision themselves living in your space when they walk inside. But that’s hard to do if rooms feel crowded or overly personal. Start decluttering by removing extra furniture and boxing up items you don’t use often. Less is more when it comes to preparing your home for sale—you want it to feel spacious and inviting, not cramped. Next, depersonalize the space and take down family photos, bold artwork, or unique collections. This doesn’t mean erasing your personality—it’s about creating a blank canvas where buyers can imagine their own lives. Finally, take time for a deep clean. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these high-traffic areas often leave the biggest impression. A spotless home signals that it’s been well-maintained and move-in ready for your buyers."Good lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and lets the best features of your house shine."3. Highlight key features. Think about what makes your property special—whether it’s a spacious kitchen, a cozy living room, or beautiful natural light streaming through large windows. It might be worth it to consider some light staging to get your house in the best shape possible. Rearrange furniture to improve flow and maximize space, even if it’s as simple as moving a couch or removing an extra chair. Lighting is also critical; it creates a cozy atmosphere and lets the best features of your house shine. Even small updates, like fresh neutral paint or modern cabinet handles, can make your home feel updated and move-in ready.At the end of the day, selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By enhancing curb appeal, decluttering and depersonalizing, and highlighting your home’s key features, you can create a space that buyers will fall in love with. If you have questions about getting your home ready for the market or anything else, please call or email me. I am always willing to help!Thinking about selling your home or investment property?Join our free Zoom workshop to learn insider tips and strategies every homeowner should know before putting their property on the market. Make smarter decisions and get the best results!During our seller seminar, we will dive into: Current market trends * Which improvements will (or won't) maximize your equity * Strategic Tax Planning to keep more of your equity at time of sale * When is the best time of year to sell * Understanding the recent NAR Settlement and what it means for Sellers * The impacts of House Staging and if it's the right option for you * The pros & cons around obtaining a home inspection prior to hitting the market * Options to allow you to remodel prior to hitting the market and paying for it out of the proceeds of your sale. * Common mistakes sellers make prior to selling their property.* This event will be hosted on Zoom on Feb 27th @ 7 PM PST.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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How you can prepare for the spring market by planning ahead, budgeting your time, and getting in early.Right now, the No. 1 question I’m getting is, “What’s going to happen to the housing market in 2025?” I get it; a lot of people had plans to move this year but put things on hold due to higher mortgage rates and a slowing market. This begs the question: Will 2025 be any different? The short answer is yes, although there probably won’t be a dramatic shakeup that flips the market on its head. Today, I’m going over what the top experts are forecasting for mortgage interest rates, home prices, and buyer demand in 2025. Plus, I’ll share my insights on how you can get ready for these changes before the new year even starts: 1. Mortgage rates will ease slightly. It’s no secret that higher mortgage interest rates have hurt affordability for buyers and caused our market to slow down. U.S. existing home sales hit a 14-year low in September 2024, and one of the biggest reasons why is that would-be buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for rates to drop. While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac aren’t predicting rates to crash to where they were a few years ago, most experts believe rates will fall below the 6% mark for the first time since Q2 of 2022. Since mortgage rates are a key factor in housing affordability, this is fantastic news for buyers sitting on the fence.

"Get ahead of things by listing as early as you reasonably can."2. Home prices will increase slightly. While home prices have stagnated recently or even come down in some areas of the country, prices are projected to rise in 2025. Different institutions have varying forecasts, but prices are expected to rise 2.6% when you average their predictions. This is a modest increase compared to what we’ve seen over the last few years, but it projects stability for our market. Homeowners don’t have to worry about prices crashing, while things will stay relatively affordable for new buyers. 3. More buyers will enter the market. Lower interest rates and steady prices mean demand for homes will increase. According to the Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, “Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.” As these buyers enter the market, the pace will speed up. Homes will sell faster, competition will increase, and supply will decrease as more buyers fight over fewer options. So what does this all mean for you? If you want to sell, 2025 is looking to be a great year for the market, so we recommend you start planning your move now so you can get a head start. On the other hand, buyers need to act fast. There will be a very short window where rates are lower, but home prices haven’t increased yet. If you’d like to plan for 2025, whether you’re looking to sell or buy, please call or email us. We’d love to help you plan your next move!Thinking about selling your home or investment property?Don’t list your home or investment property without the right knowledge! Selling can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Join our free Zoom workshop to learn insider tips and strategies every homeowner should know before putting their property on the market. Make smarter decisions and get the best results!This event will be hosted on Zoom on Jan 30th @ 7 PM PST.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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The housing market is set to change in 2025, which is why I’m breaking down what the experts are forecasting for interest rates, prices, and demand.

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A lot of homeowners are confused about why they’d ever accept a lowball investor offer, but they provide maximum convenience in exchange for the discount.

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Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know about our housing market. What’s going on in the housing market? Recent changes could have huge implications for your buying or selling plans, so you need to stay informed. That’s why today, I’m bringing you the latest numbers from our market and explaining what they mean for you. Inflation seems to be getting under control, so what does that mean for the future of interest rates?

You can listen to my full explanation in the video above or skip to each topic using the timestamps provided:

0:00 — Introduction

0:33 — The median sale price in our market

1:22 — The median list-to-sales-price ratio

1:44 — The median days on market

2:22 — Pending sales and inventory are down

2:58 — How housing prices are affected by inventory

3:44 — Supply in our market is still very low

4:36 — What’s going on with interest rates?

6:45 — Rents keep on going up

7:20 — Headlines tend to terrify, not clarify

7:57 — Call or email me with any questions

If you have any questions about this topic or something else, please call or email me. I am always willing to help!

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 How buyers and sellers can both benefit from using a 2-1 buydown.

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Don’t let fear take over—waiting for a better rate may hurt even more.

Today I want to share some perspective regarding how insanely interest rates have jumped lately. I was recently talking with a great client and friend of mine, Bruce Barker, who put it so perfectly. He said, “Historically, the average interest rate has been 7.6%.”

To have an average, you need something to be lower, and you need something to be higher. We have had extremely low interest rates over the last few years, and now they’ve risen to 6.5%. That's been a significant jump, but they’re still below the historical average. It's possible that interest rates will go above the average of 7.6%. If you’re thinking about holding off until interest rates come down, I want to pause and reconsider. I hear many people say those things, but based on what I'm seeing in our economic outlook, I don’t believe rates will drop any time soon.

"Get into something now and build your equity."

If you can afford the mortgage payment on a property, lock it in. If the interest rate does come down at some point, you can always refinance. You shouldn’t gamble with your future and the house that you want for your family because you’re hoping interest rates come down. Real estate doubles every 10 years, so get into something now and take advantage of being able to build equity over time.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email. I’m here to serve you.

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Everything you should know about our current housing market.
Have all the changes in the real estate market been too overwhelming to keep up with? There’s a lot happening, so I can’t blame you! That’s why I’m here today, to make sense of it all for you. It can help you stay updated on our Pierce County market so you can make informed real estate decisions.

You can hear the full update by watching the video above, or you can skip to individual topics by using these timestamps:

0:00 — Introduction

0:30 — Median sales price

1:20 — Median percent of list price

1:54 — Days on market

2:04 — Pending sales and number of homes sold

4:00 — Determining what kind of market we’re in

4:40 — Inventory

5:35 — Interest rates and the Federal Reserve rates

6:00 — How to price a home and handle this market

6:45 — Wrapping up

The bottom line is that there are advantages in this market for both buyers and sellers. If you have any questions, I would love to be your real estate resource. Call or email me and my team anytime!

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Here’s what’s happening in our market and how it affects you.

There’s a lot happening in the market, and it’s starting to get a little weird. That’s why I wanted to share some hard data with you today to show you what’s taking place. Let’s dive right into these numbers and what they mean for you as a buyer or a seller.

You can watch the full video above or skip to each section using the timestamps provided:

0:00 — Introducing today’s topic

0:32 — Home prices are at an all-time high

1:13 — The five-year graph for the sales-to-list-price ratio

2:02 — We are still seeing a fast market

2:39 — The pending sales, homes for sale, and number of homes sold

3:52 — We’ve been in an extreme seller’s market for a while

4:21 — We only have 18 days of inventory

4:56 — Interest rates have jumped, and that will affect the buying pool

6:27 — Wrapping up

If you have any questions or would like to develop a specific strategy for your situation, call or email my team and me. We’d love to hear from you.

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Even though we’re in a hot seller’s market, you may not want to sell right now.

Considering how much homes have increased in value recently, many people are wondering whether they should sell their homes or cash in on their equity. Selling may or may not be a good idea, so today I’ll give people in this position something to consider: capital gains taxes.

Many people don’t really think about capital gains taxes until after their house has already been sold. When you purchase a home, the IRS determines whether you’ll pay short-term or long-term capital gains based on how long you’ve lived in the home.

If you’ve lived in the home for less than a year, you’ll pay a higher capital gains tax, so be sure to check with your CPA to find out exactly how much yours would be if you sold. For simplicity’s sake, you can expect to pay around 22% of your total profit. If you’ve lived in the home for more than a year, your capital gains taxes are reduced. Again, your CPA can give you a more exact figure, but you’re looking at somewhere around 10% to 15%.

"If you’re pretty close to that two-year mark, then it may be a good idea to hold off on selling."

Now, if you are in a position where you have lived in the home for at least two out of the last five yearsand you’re single, you are exempt from having to pay capital gains taxes on up to $250,000 worth of profit. If you’re married, you’re exempt for up to $500,000. If you’re pretty close to that two-year mark, then it may be a good idea to hold off on selling.

Hopefully this has given you some helpful information to better inform your decision to sell or not to sell.

If you have any questions or need assistance, give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to be a resource for you.

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Our market conditions suggest sellers should act sooner rather than later.

With how volatile the market is, does it make sense to sell your home now, or should you wait? Many homeowners are asking this question. After all, home values will continue to rise, so wouldn’t it be better to let home prices rise before selling? That way, you could extract the maximal value from your sale. Today I’ll address this question and some concerns that I have for those thinking of waiting.

First, let’s consider what’s going on in the market. As I said, home prices are on the rise. As prices go up, your pool of potential buyers shrinks since fewer people will be able to afford your home. The Federal Reserve has also announced that they’re going to increase interest rates multiple times. They’ve already jumped quite a bit in just the last few weeks. Rising rates also have the effect of reducing your buying pool.

"You’ll have a larger buying pool now than you will later in the year."It’s not hard to see why consumer confidence has been getting lower and lower. Many are starting to wonder if it’s even worth it to pay that much for a home anymore. If confidence continues to drop, that’s even fewer buyers in the market who will be prepared to make you an offer. That, in turn, means the value of your home will go down since you won’t be able to take advantage of high demand and bidding wars to boost your sales price.

With all that in mind, if you’re thinking about selling your home in 2022, I strongly encourage you to take action sooner rather than later. You’ll have a larger buying pool now than you will later in the year, meaning that you’re more likely to get a higher price if you don't wait.

If you have any questions or need help getting the sales process started, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. Hope to hear from you soon!

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How rising interest rates could affect your ability to buy a home.

Interest rates are on the rise, so what does this mean for you? If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, you need to know what’s happening. Interest rates are in the low 4% range, so I want to break down what that means for your pocketbook.

A chief economist at a large brokerage recently said, “With certainty, by the end of this year, interest rates will be 5.5% to 6%.” That’s a huge jump from where we are now—up to a 2% difference. That might not sound like that much, but it is.

"Act sooner rather than later to protect as much of your money as possible."

The median home price in Pierce County is $525,000. Let’s say you own a home at that price, and you’d like to move into a larger house that would cost around $750,000. If you put 20% down on that home and rates were at 4%, your monthly payment would be $2,864. If rates rose to 6%, your monthly payment would be $3,597 for that same house.

That’s a difference of $733 per month. Over a year, you’d pay $9,000 more, and over the life of your loan, you’d pay $264,000 more. I want to make sure you’re aware of how much rates affect your monthly payment. If you want to move, I recommend acting sooner rather than later to protect as much of your money as possible.

A lot of people don’t want to sell until they find where they’re moving to, but there are a few strategies you can use to help. You can purchase the new property first and sell your home immediately afterward. There are ways you can structure and finance that option.

If you know someone who would benefit from this information, please pass this on to them. As always, if you have any questions, I’d love to help. Just call or email me.

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Here’s how you can use a HELOC to buy a new home before you sell.

Are you looking to move? If so, you probably need to sell your old home before you can buy a new one. If you’re in this position, how can you sell your house without going homeless? I have a great tip that’s helped plenty of our clients, and I want to share it with you today.

The big issue in our market right now is our low inventory. Sure, you can get a great deal on your home, but what will you do when you have to buy? Fortunately, we’ve worked closely with lenders to help solve this situation, and you may be able to use a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, to make your move.

So how would this work? Let’s look at an example: Say you want to move up from your existing house into a bigger one. Because homes have appreciated so much in the last few years, you probably have a lot more equity than you think. In this instance, you can use a HELOC to pull the equity out of your home. It doesn’t cost any money until you deploy the funds, so you can use that cash to pay for a down payment on your new home.

"You probably have more equity than you think."Even if you aren’t looking to move, there are plenty of good reasons to take out a HELOC, such as an emergency fund. While I’m not a financial expert, I will caution against spending your equity on things like expensive cars. If you need a lender to speak with about this topic, please reach out to us. We'd be happy to put you in touch with a great one.

If you have questions about today’s topic, please call or email my team. We are always happy to be a resource for you!

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REGISTER HERE!Are you thinking about selling your home in the Puget Sound area? You're invited to myHome-Selling Workshop: How To Get Top Dollar in Uncertain Times on April 28 at 7 p.m PST.It's a virtual, online event to stay safe.

I'm going to answer your biggest questions about selling your home, including:

• Is COVID-19 affecting prices?
• What if I can’t pay my mortgage?
• Can I get an instant offer?
• Can my home be sold safely?
• Are home prices dropping?
• Is now a good time to sell?
• Do I need to repair my home?
• Will my home pass inspection?
• What mistakes should I avoid?
• How do I get rid of my “stuff”?
• How do I attract buyers now?
• How do I get top dollar for my home?

You'll learn how to increase the value of your home in an uncertain market and what repairs to make (or avoid). You'll also get a free neighborhood market report with a complimentary listing price recommendation after you attend, too.

Hurry! It's limited to 25 homeowners. You can attend safely from your computer, phone, or tablet.

If you're thinking about selling your home, you need to attend this.

Get your free ticket on Eventbrite here.

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Here’s what’s happening in our Pierce County market in October.

Today I’m sharing what’s currently happening in the greater Pierce County real estate market. Feel free to refer to the graphs in the video above if you’d like a visual representation of the data.

September had a median sale price of $507,480, which is the third month in a row we’ve seen a small decrease in prices. That isn’t unusual for the season, and we’ve seen a rise of 14.3% in home values compared to this time last year. That’s excellent appreciation; the normal rate is about 4% to 5% in a single year. So we’ve seen about three years’ worth of appreciation condensed into just this past year.

Sellers are getting 2.7% over the asking price when they sell and are doing so very quickly at an average of five days on the market, on average! When we look at pending sales, the number of sales that are taking place has grown 7.3% compared to September 2020. The number of homes for sale has improved by 19.5%, and homes sold have climbed 4.4% in the last year. Our market truly needed more inventory, and we’re starting to see it. I would say the jump in sold homes is due to having more options available for buyers.

"We’ve seen about three years’ worth of appreciation condensed into just this past year."

When we have less than six months’ worth of homes on the market, we’re in a seller’s market, and home values are usually escalating. When we have six to seven months of inventory, we’re in a neutral market (not a buyer’s or seller’s market), and home values follow inflation. Neutral markets rarely last very long. When we have over seven months of houses for sale, we’re in a buyer’s market, and home values frequently decrease.

Even though inventory has been creeping up a bit, we’re still very much in a seller’s market at 0.7 months of inventory, or just 21 days. We’re still desperate for more homes to hit the market, which is fairly consistent all across the U.S. right now. Diana Olick, CNBC’s Real Estate Correspondent recently said:

“Fall is usually the start of the slower season for the housing market, but nothing is usual in today’s pandemic-driven housing market. Potential homebuyers are seeing a slight rise in inventory and consequently rushing back into the fray. Mortgage applications to purchase a home jumped 7% last week from the previous week… That is the highest level since April of this year.”

That’s a great sign that buyers are still interested, and as more inventory is becoming available, they’re excited and taking action.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team via phone or email if you have any questions about our market or real estate in general. We’re here to be of service to you.

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REGISTER HEREAre you thinking about buying in the Puget Sound area? You're invited to my Home-Buying

Workshop: How To Best Position Yourself as Qualified Buyer, on May 18 at 7 p.m PST.

It's a virtual, online event to stay safe.

I'm going to answer your biggest questions about buying a home, including:

• Is COVID-19 affecting home prices?
• How much house can I afford?
• Can I safely tour homes?
• Are home prices dropping?
• Is now a good time to buy?
• What is an inspection?
• What mistakes should I avoid?
• How do I find movers?
• How do I get the best price for my new home?

Hurry! It's limited to 25 homebuyers. You can attend safely from your computer, phone, or tablet.

If you're thinking about buying a home, you need to attend this.

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Here are the latest stats from the Pierce County market as of September 2021.Today I'm sharing the latest information about our Pierce County real estate market. The median sale price is $515,000. Though prices have plateaued in the last three months, that still represents a 16.5% increase in home values since August 2020. To give you some context for how huge that is, real estate historically appreciates by about 5% per year—we got almost three years of appreciation crammed into one! Many people have been concerned about the idea of being in a market bubble. I assure you that very few experts think that we’re in a bubble. The general consensus is that appreciation is slowing down and leveling off (rather than home values simply plummeting like back in 2007 and 2008), bringing us back to a more balanced market. Homes in Pierce County are selling on average for over 2.1% over their asking prices. Keep in mind that asking prices are just starting bids. Homes are also selling very quickly; five days is the median days on market in our county right now. Pending sales are the number of homes that have offers accepted on them but haven’t yet officially closed. The number of pending sales has increased by 5.6% since this same time last year. This shows that even though there isn’t as much inventory in the market, the number of sales has increased.

"With only 18 days of inventory, you can see how much of an extreme seller’s market we’re in."

At 3:20 in the video above, you can see a chart that compares the number of active listings (in red) to the number of sales (in green). The number of homes for sale is up 3% compared to a year ago, and the number of homes sold is up 9.6%. This is a good thing because we definitely need more inventory in the market. Despite the increase in inventory, now is still a great time to sell a home. Demand for homes is still high in comparison to the number of homes available for sale. When a market has less than six months of inventory, that means it’s a seller’s market. It’s in this kind of market that we see home prices continue to rise, as we’ve consistently seen for the past several years. Given that we only have 18 days of inventory, you can see how much of an extreme seller’s market we’re in. The good news for sellers is that you’re very well positioned to be able to sell your home and get top dollar. For buyers, we’ve seen that many are going through what’s called buyer fatigue. Multiple-offer situations are rampant, and many are getting beat out for the homes they want. It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out over the next several months, but we’ll keep an eye on it and keep you posted as to what we’re experiencing. If you have any questions or would like to have a deeper conversation about what’s going on in our market, feel free to reach out to us by phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Here’s the latest update on our Pierce County real estate market.As of July 2021, the median sale price was $512,750 in Pierce County. This is somewhat of a dip; we peaked in June, where the median sale price was at an all-time high. However, don’t think that this means the market is crashing. It’s way too early to determine anything like that (although the media may spin some stories about it). Ultimately, that represents a 16.1% increase in home values since this time last year, which is huge considering that 5% annual appreciation is the historical norm. In terms of the median list price, homes in Pierce County are selling for 102.5% of their list price. In today’s market, the list price is no longer the same thing as the asking price; the list price is simply the starting bid. As we look at the average days on market, we can tell that the market is moving extremely fast. Homes have been selling consistently in just five days. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for buyers to act, especially considering that many homes are selling in even less time.

"There would have to be an extreme influx of inventory for things to stabilize."

Pending properties are the properties that buyers have put money down on but which haven’t yet gone to closing. As of July this year, there were 1,618 pending listings in Pierce County, which is a 5% year-over-year increase. We are seeing some very strong sales activity in our local market. At 3:37 in the video above, you’ll see a chart that compares the number of active listings to the number of actual sales over the last five years. The chart shows that the number of homes for sale is down 7.1% compared to just a year ago, whereas the number of homes sold is up 5.6%. This demonstrates how much of a feeding frenzy we’re experiencing in the market today. What impact does our low inventory have on home prices? In a buyer’s market where we have more than seven months of inventory, home prices will depreciate. In a neutral market with between six and seven months of inventory, home prices will only appreciate with inflation. In a seller’s market like ours where we have less than six months of inventory, home prices will appreciate. We currently have only 21 days of inventory, and there would have to be an extreme influx of inventory for things to stabilize. Keep an eye on my blog for future updates on the market so that you can stay abreast of all the real estate trends that may affect your prospects. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the market or buying or selling homes, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to be an advocate for you.

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Ours continues to be a hot seller’s market as we hit the middle of summer.
The Pierce County real estate market continues to go crazy this summer. The market conditions that we’re seeing here make it the perfect time for those who were potentially thinking about selling their house to take the leap. You can take advantage of this market and get top dollar for your property.

Cited below for your convenience are timestamps that will direct you to various points in the video. Feel free to watch the full message or use these timestamps to browse specific topics at your leisure:

0:23 — Five-year price history

2:05 — Days on market

2:51 — Active listings

4:00 — Inventory

5:18 — Why it’s a good time to sell

5:42 — Wrapping up

If you have any questions about real estate matters or are looking to buy or sell a home, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to the opportunity to help you reach your goals.

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Here are the latest numbers and information about our Pierce County market.Today I’m sharing a Pierce County real estate market update for May 2021. This market is on

fire, and I continue to say that every month because I’m still blown away by what we’re seeing.

At 0:35 in the video above, you can see a graph that shows our five-year pricing trends. We just

hit an all-time record: The median home price has reached $500,000. We’ve seen a 20% increase in

home values in the last year, while historically, values increase around 5% per year. In last month’s market update, I said we were consistently seeing homes spending an average of six

days on market and that I didn’t see how it could get any lower than that. However, we’ve now dropped

to an average of five days on the market, so homes are moving extremely quickly.

"Our market is in a feeding frenzy; people are buying more homes than ever." At 1:55 in the video, you can see a chart that illustrates pending sales in the last five years. Pending

sales are those that have gone under contract but haven’t closed yet. The number of pending sales

has risen 41.61% year over year. At 2:30, you can see a graph showing active listings versus the number of sales in the last five years.

We currently have a very low number of homes available for sale; that number has declined 45%

compared to this same time last year. At the same time, the number of homes selling is much higher

than the number of homes for sale. The number of homes sold has climbed 46% over the last year.

That means our market is in a feeding frenzy; people are buying more homes than ever. A seller’s market is when there is fewer than six months’ worth of homes on the market and home

values are trending upward. When we have six to seven months’ worth of homes, we’re in a neutral

market, and home prices will only appreciate with inflation. If we have seven months or more of homes

on the market, it’s a buyer’s market, and home prices will depreciate. Knowing all this, we’re in more of

a seller’s market than we’ve ever been before. We have only half a month's worth of homes for sale right now. If no more homes were to come

onto the market, we’d sell out in just 15 days. The number of homes for sale has just been decreasing

and decreasing. This is the hottest market I’ve ever seen, by a long shot.

If you’re considering selling, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be glad to be a resource and educate

you about timing, what you need to know, preparation, and more. Feel free to contact me via phone or

email anytime if you have questions about the market or real estate in general. I’d love to speak with

you.

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Here’s how things have changed in Pierce County real estate.The latest numbers for the Pierce County real estate market are in, and to put it simply, the metrics

are astonishing.

We’re in the hottest market I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been in real estate for about 17 years.The median sales price in March was $480,000, which was a 14.6% increase from the year

before. It’s unbelievable. Another unbelievable metric is that homes are spending, on average, only

six days on the market before selling. That’s about as low as you can realistically get. If someone

tried to sell quicker than that, they wouldn’t be exposing their listing to enough people.

When selling, a little time is necessary.

"It’s a total feeding frenzy right now, and you can get in on the action if you’ve been thinking of listing."The number of pending listings was 1,636 in March, which is a 33% year-over-year increase.

These are homes that haven’t officially sold yet, but the buyer and seller have created a contract;

the home will close if no issues derail the transaction.

Another crazy metric is our sales numbers. The number of homes for sale is down 64% compared

to a year ago, but the number of homes sold is up 8%. It’s a total feeding frenzy right now, and you

can get in on the action if you’ve been thinking of listing. It’s never been a better time to sell. You’ll

have lots of opportunities to negotiate exactly what you want, and you can easily make more than

your home is worth.

Inventory is completely wiped out. To put it in perspective, we’re in a normal market when we have

around six months’ worth of inventory. Anything above that is a buyer’s market, and anything below

is a seller’s market. We’re at 0.3 months—in other words, there are only nine days’ worth of

home inventory in our area. It means that if no more homes were to come onto the market, all

homes would be gone within nine days.

Needless to say, it’s a blistering-hot seller’s market and a perfect time to list your home. If you’re

ready to jump into the market or you have any questions related to real estate, feel free to reach out

to me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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The latest numbers point to an extreme seller’s market in Pierce County.Today I have a quick market update for you on Pierce County real estate here in March 2021. If you

weren't aware already, things are pretty wild in the market right now.

In the past month, we have set an all-time record for the median sale price in Pierce County

at $468,260. That’s a 14.6% increase from this time last year! We weren’t sure if we would see price

stabilization at the end of 2020, but last month definitely showed us that this is an appreciating market.

In Pierce County, homes are selling in an average of just six days on the market. This is about as low

as this figure can get, because any good agent wants to make sure the property gets exposed to

the market for at least a few days—if not a week—before accepting an offer.

"We have just half a month of available inventory for sale."

As for pending sales, those are up considerably as well (13%). As a reminder, pending sales are

sales that have been agreed to but haven’t closed yet.

At 2:20, you’ll see two overlapping graphs that measure active listings (in red) and the number

of sales (in green) over the last five years. You can see that while we started off with about twice

as many active listings, there has clearly been a shift in supply and demand. As of January 2021, we

had more than twice as many home sales as active listings.

A neutral or balanced market has between six and seven months, and a buyer’s market has more than

seven months. Anything less than six months, like the market we’re in now, is a seller's market. We’re

in a very strong seller’s market right now with just 0.5 months of inventory (15 days). This means all

of the homes in Pierce County would be sold in just over two weeks if no new homes were listed for

sale.

If you have any questions about your specific real estate situation or the market in general,

don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you.

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The latest numbers point to an extreme seller’s market in Pierce County.Now that we’re into February 2021, it’s time to look back on the numbers from January and see what they say about our Pierce County market. If you’re a seller, you’ll be quite pleased. The median sale price in Pierce County held steady at $440K compared to the month before and was WAY higher compared to the year before. The situation is tougher for buyers, but the good news there is that interest rates are still historically low. To find out more, watch my latest video.

Feel free to watch the video above in its entirety to get the full scoop on our market, or use these timestamps to skip ahead to various sections at your leisure:

0:22—The year-over-year median sale price increase

1:33—The median days on market

1:54—The year-over-year pending listings increase

2:21—Active listings versus number of sales

3:33—The impact of monthly housing inventory on home prices

4:29—The months of inventory has dwindled dramatically

5:27—Why sellers are holding all the cards

6:31—Wrapping things up

As always, if you have questions about our Pierce County market or any real estate needs I can assist you with, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Here’s why right now might be the hottest our market is for sellers all year. Today we have a jam-packed market update on all the latest goings-on in Pierce County, Washington.

In December, the median sale price rose to $440,000. That’s a 5% increase year over year. This is great news for homeowners everywhere.

As for our days on market, the average is down to just six days. It’s a very fast-paced market, and buyers don’t have the luxury of time like they had in the past. When the right home comes on the market, buyers need to be ready to make an offer with a pre-approval in hand. That’s how fast homes are selling.

Pending sales are up an incredible 21% year over year. These are homes that have had offers accepted on them, but haven’t officially closed yet. The number of pending sales in December (942) represents the largest number of pending sales over the last five years, even with our huge inventory shortage. That’s pretty phenomenal.

"Don’t wait for spring or summer this year."At 2:15, you can see how unique of a situation our current inventory shortage is compared to the last five years of supply and demand. If you’re a home seller, it might not be the best idea to wait until spring or summer. As you can see right now, sales are as high as they are in the spring and summer, with much lower supply than normal (54% lower, in fact).

Our available months of inventory right now is 0.3, which is the equivalent of just nine days! That means it would just take us nine days to sell all the homes in Pierce County if no new properties came on the market. That’s all good news for sellers. I’ve never seen this few homes for sale with this much demand.

Think selling your house in the winter months is a bad idea? Think again! The buyer demand right now is insane. A home we marketed over the holidays had 60 SHOWINGS and 17 OFFERS within just a matter of days and we received offers in EXCESS of $100K over asking price! 🤯

There’s no saying how long these conditions will last. If you have any questions for me about the market or how you can take advantage of it, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Here’s your Pierce County real estate update through the end of November.The median sales price in Pierce County is $442,000, and we’ve seen a 15% increase in home values since this same time last year. Homes are spending an average of six days on the market, meaning that sellers typically accept an offer on their homes within six days after listing them.

The number of pending listings is up by 17% year over year, leaving us with 264 this November. As you can see on the chart at 1:43 in the video above, the number of pendings we have on the market is typically seasonal, peaking in the summer and dipping near January, but this year, we’re still up!

The next chart you’ll see shows the number of active listings compared to the number of actual home sales over a five-year period. The number of homes for sale is down by 50% compared to last year, and the number of sales is up by 20%, which leaves us at a point where sales are significantly outpacing the number of available homes. Any available inventory is quickly eaten up by the market as soon as it appears." I have never seen such a solid time to sell a home!"In terms of months of inventory, we’re at all-time lows, having dropped down to a mere 0.4 months, or two weeks. That means if no more homes came on the market, with the rate that homes are selling in Pierce County, we’d be completely out of supply in just two weeks.The market is breaking records left and right; I have never seen such a solid time to sell a home! If you’re thinking about selling your home within the next six to 12 months, I recommend that you talk to a professional to help you assess what opportunities are available to you. Nobody knows what the market will look like in six months, so now is a good time to get started.If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Hauer Home Team. We’re here to be of service to you.

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We’re looking for new agents to partner with, and you might be the perfect fit. I have an exciting announcement to make: The Hauer Home Team is looking for two new agents! Do you think you’d be a good fit? Today I’ll share some insight into our mission, core values, and what we’re looking for in our new agents to help give you an answer. I’ll also give you some background on our current team members to show you what we’re all about. Cited below for your convenience are timestamps that will direct you to various points in the video. Feel free to watch it in its entirety or use these timestamps to browse specific points at your leisure: 0:32—Our mission is building generational wealth through real estate1:08—Our core values: faith, growth, and humility2:25—Why we personify the term “small but mighty” 3:16—What we’re looking for in our new agents 4:39—Introducing our current team 6:30—Wrapping things upIf you’re interested in taking advantage of this opportunity and want to start building generational wealth, give me a call today. I’d love to speak with you.

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Here’s why we may be in the best seller’s market we’ve ever seen.

For your latest Pierce County real estate market update, I have all the key stats from last October to share with you.

Our median sale price is $432,500, which is a 15% increase compared to last year. Historically, homes in our area experience a yearly appreciation of 5%. The median days on market, or how long it takes for a home to go under contract after it hits the market, is just six days. The number of pending listings, or homes that have gone under contract, stood at 1,465 as October ended—a 20% year-over-year jump.

At 1:46 in the video, you can see a wide disparity between the number of sales (about 1,500) and active listings (about 900). How is this possible? We record these numbers at the end of the month, and since homes are only averaging six days on the market before going under contract, most of them don’t last long enough to be recorded as active listings.

| If you’re thinking of selling, this is a prime time to do so.

The absorption rate, meanwhile, is down to just 0.6 months of inventory. This means if no new homes came on the market, it would take just two weeks for our Pierce County marketplace to be completely sold out of homes. This is by far the lowest level of inventory I’ve seen in my 16 years in the real estate business.
Overall, the trend we’re seeing is a very strong seller’s market. If you’re thinking of selling, this is a prime time to do so. Being a buyer, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart right now. However, if you’re willing to dip your toe in the water, it’s well worth it once you secure a property because interest rates are in the 2% range for 30-year loans. From an affordability standpoint, if you can lock in that low of a rate for 30 years, you’ll save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. A rise in interest rates would be the only thing that could cause home values to decline at this point.
If you have questions about our Pierce County market or are thinking of buying or selling soon, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you, and I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

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September’s stats are finally in, and they’re nothing short of astonishing.

*Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy* a home? Search all homes for sale.Last month we officially entered fall, but does that mean our market has started to cool off? According to September’s market stats, absolutely not! The median sale price for our market is $435,000 as of September 2020. That represents a 14.5% year-over-year increase in home values, which is pretty remarkable. We’re also seeing that homes are selling faster this fall, as the average days on market dipped down to just seven days from last September’s average of 11. Let’s take a look at the list-to-sale price ratio, which tells us what homes are actually selling for versus what they’re being listed at. The median list-to-sale price ratio for September was 102.3%, meaning that sellers were receiving 2.3% above their asking prices. That figure is also an improvement from last year at this time when sellers were seeing 100.4% of their listing prices. “ It’s clear demand is dominating our market.

”Inventory in our market is down significantly compared to where it was last September—a whopping 55.2% to be exact. So, based on the current trends of how quickly homes have been selling, how long would it take to completely sell out all of our existing inventory if no new homes were to come on the market? The answer is an important statistic that we often refer to as ‘months’ supply.’ Right now, our Pierce County real estate market has 0.7 month's worth of supply—that’s the lowest I’ve seen in my 16-year real estate career by a longshot. Simply put, the supply in our housing market is scarce. Granted, we did see a 16.7% year-over-year increase in new listings coming onto the market, but these homes are just selling so dang fast! The number of pending sales (i.e., homes that went off the market after accepting an offer) was up 26.5% from last year. Furthermore, the number of closed sales was up 10.5% year over year, so it’s clear that demand is dominating our market. If you have more questions about the status of our real estate market or are interested in buying or selling soon, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone else on our team via phone or email. We’re here to be of service to you!

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Our local real estate market is crazy right now! Here are the details.

*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.Our market is crazy right now! To illustrate what I mean, let’s take a look at some of the numbers we’ve been tracking since the beginning of COVID-19 back in early March. The number of pending sales shows us that since then, buyers have been writing contracts to purchase houses. Sellers have also been putting homes on the market, but at a far lower rate than the pending sales.

Due to that, our market is in a complete frenzy, the likes of which I’ve never seen. For example, on August 3, 133 sales went pending in Pierce County, while only 31 new homes came on the market. This is a consistent pattern that dates back to the beginning of the pandemic.

Given the disparity between buyers and the number of homes available, as well as our low interest rates, I’m amazed that we even have any inventory left to sell in the first place! I think we’d have many more homes on the market if homeowners had any idea just how much their home is truly worth now that prices have been rising like crazy.

Here’s the bottom line: I have never seen a better time to be a seller than right now. If you’re thinking about selling your house within the next 12 to 18 months, let’s explore what that would look like and whether it makes sense to move your plans up.

Feel free to reach out to the Hauer Home Team with any questions you have or if you need assistance. We are here to serve.

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Even amidst a global pandemic, our real estate market remains busy. Here are the extra steps we’re taking to keep everyone safe and healthy.

*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.As we continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, I wanted to bring you an update on our real estate market and the changes we’ve made to help keep our clients safe and healthy. As for the market right now, we have just a one-month supply of homes and very strong buyer demand. While we’re still helping buyers and sellers do business every day, we’re doing so carefully and safely by utilizing a lot of new, virtual tools.

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*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.As a real estate professional, my goal is to keep you informed of what’s going on in the real estate sector amid the coronavirus pandemic. We haven’t yet seen a direct impact from the coronavirus on the market as of today, though we’re tracking the numbers daily, and I promise to keep you informed as best I can while the situation continues to develop. In terms of the market, we have been seeing a daily increase in the number of listings. To find out why that is and even more details about the market, watch this short video.

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According to the latest numbers, Pierce County is an incredibly hot market.
*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.Welcome to your first Pierce County market update of 2020! Let’s dive into the latest year-over-year stats.

Home values have increased by 9%, but inventory has decreased by 45%. Inventory was already low in 2019, so this further decrease drives demand and makes homes that much more valuable.

Here are the top three most expensive areas to live in Pierce County:

1. Gig Harbor (median sale price: $534,000)
2. Fircrest (median sale price: $490,000)
3. Northern Tacoma/Browns Point (median sale price: $449,000)

On the flip side, here are the three most affordable areas to live:

1. Central Tacoma (median sale price: $318,500)
2. Parkland (median sale price: $322,000)
3. Spanaway (median sale price: $326,000)

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All in all, we’re in an incredibly hot market.”

Which areas have homes with the highest chance of selling? Oftentimes, this mirrors wherever the most affordable areas are:

1. South Tacoma (322% chance of selling)
2. Parkland (320% chance of selling)
3. Central Tacoma (300% chance of selling)

These numbers are unheard of, and it means more homes are selling than being listed each month. Remember, in terms of absorption rate, anything over 20% constitutes a seller’s market, while anything below 15% constitutes a buyer’s market. That being said, here are the three areas where homes have the lowest chance of selling:

1. Gig Harbor (52% chance of selling)
2. Roy (70% chance of selling)
3. Graham (78% chance of selling)

All in all, we’re in an incredibly hot market. If you’re thinking about selling, now is a great opportunity. Also, keep in mind that interest rates just dropped, which makes things that much better for everyone.

As always, if you have questions about this or any real estate topic or are thinking of buying or selling a home soon, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be happy to help.

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Are you better off selling to an iBuyer? The answer depends on your circumstances.
*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.Should you sell your home to an iBuyer?

First, let’s review what an iBuyer is. An iBuyer is a company or investor who can make a cash offer for your home and close quickly with little hassle. You can pick the closing date, when you want to move out, and not have to worry about making any repairs to your home or staging it for the market. The downside to this convenience, though, is that you end up selling at a discounted price.

There is no “right” or “wrong” answer as to whether you should sell to an iBuyer, so let’s look at the specific details of selling this way versus selling with a Realtor such as myself.

Essentially, it’s the same thing as selling with a wholesaler versus selling with a retailer. In this case, the iBuyer is the wholesaler: They make their offer price appealing up front, but when you factor in the associated costs of selling, you don’t net as much as you think you will.

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Essentially, it’s the same difference as selling with a wholesaler versus selling with a retailer.
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Selling to a retailer means you’ll have to go through the extra steps of preparing your home for the market, but their job is to get you the most money possible, so your chances of earning greater net proceeds are much higher.

This is why it makes more sense for most people so sell the traditional route—with a Realtor. There are certain circumstances when it makes more sense to sell to an iBuyer, though. If you’re in a situation where you need a significant influx of fast cash, iBuyers are a good option. Also, keep in mind that there are plenty of iBuyers out there to choose from, and I’d be happy to help you pick one if you do decide to go this route. There will never be a lack of investors willing to buy your property quickly and at a discount.

Remember, the Hauer Home Team is here to serve you and the people you care about, so if you have any more questions about this or any other real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you.

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The real estate market here in Pierce County is hotter in some areas than others. Here’s what you need to know.
*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.
I’ve got a quick update for you today so you know what’s going on in the Pierce County real estate market as we head into the 4th quarter of 2019. The latest Q3 numbers are in, so I’ll give you a quick look at what I’ve been noticing out there. For starters, the hottest spot in all of Pierce County is Central Tacoma. Year over year, we’ve seen a 14.7% increase in home values there. The median home value is $351,000. On the other end of the spectrum, we have Gig Harbor. This area has seen 0% appreciation since this time last year, but still has a median sale price of $500,000. This is the highest median price in all of Pierce County. Inventory is down 15% from where it was last year as well.

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Gig Harbor homes didn’t appreciate much, but they still have the highest median price.
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Throughout all of Pierce County, we have about 20% fewer homes to choose from than we had at this time last year. This is great news for sellers who have been on the fence. With decreased inventory, you have that much less competition for your property. This will give you a much better position and a much greater chance of selling for top dollar.

Our market is much more challenging for buyers at the moment. No doubt about it. That being said, I would encourage you to buy now. My wife and I are actively purchasing properties right now even though it's a “seller’s market.” Interest rates are still low, and are only projected to increase from here on out. We have helped buyers in this kind of market and would love to help you too.

If you have any questions for us in the meantime, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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If you’ve been wondering whether the chance to sell your home this year has passed, today’s message is for you.
*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.
A lot of homeowners have recently asked me whether now is a good time for them to list or if it would better for them to wait until spring. Well, given that our inventory (the number of homes available on the market) has dropped by 15.55% since last October, one thing is clear: The market is in need of more listings. So if you have been thinking of selling, doing so now would afford you the opportunity to enjoy low competition and high buyer demand. Waiting to sell until spring or summer would nullify this, as more homes hit the market during those times of year. And, as you probably know, high supply equals low demand, and low demand equals less money in your pocket.

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The bottom line is that it’s a great time to sell.
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Selling in the fall or winter also generally draws less foot traffic through your home. This may sound like a bad thing, but the truth is that handling a large number of showings can be quite the hassle. Having fewer buyers turning up to tour your home can actually work to your benefit, especially in light of the fact that buyers who are out looking for properties at this time of year tend to be much more serious than the “tire-kickers” that start to appear in the spring and summer.

The bottom line is that it’s a great time to sell. If you have any other questions, would like more information, or would like to talk about your specific property, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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How soon after you purchase a property are you able to sell it? Find out today.
*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.
We’ve all heard the term ‘forever home’ before, but sometimes you just don’t end up staying in a home that you thought you’d live in forever. When my wife and I bought our forever home, we shortly thereafter moved out of it. We held onto it as a rental and eventually moved back in; you just never know what life has in store for you.
Here are some things to be mindful of when it comes to selling your house, as well as my recommendations about how soon after purchasing it you should do so:

First, my rule of thumb for selling your home is to sell it after you’ve lived in it for two out of the last five years. This will help you maximize the profits of your sale. You won’t have to pay a higher capital gains tax rate; in fact, you probably won’t pay any tax whatsoever. For a single person, you’re exempt from $250,000 worth of capital gains tax on any profit you have from the sale. For married couples, you’re exempt from $500,000.

If you’ve been in the house for less than a year, you’ll pay quite a bit in short-term capital gains tax at whatever your taxable income rate is. In short, there are significant tax advantages to staying in your home for a year and a day, and even more for staying in the home two out of the last five years.

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My rule of thumb for selling your home is to sell it after you’ve lived in it for two out of the last five years.
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Some other factors to keep in mind are the rates of appreciation and growth of home values. We’ve had phenomenal appreciation and growth in local real estate values over the last several years. Since the 1940s, real estate has appreciated by 5% every year on average, and our own local market often appreciates at double-digit rates.

Once commission, excise tax, title, escrow, recording fees, and transaction management fees have been factored in, the typical cost to sell a house works out to be around 9% or 10% of the sales price. That’s why I recommend you stay in the home two out of the last five years; if the home appreciates 5% per year, you’ll make at least your sales costs back just by waiting, on top of the tax advantages.

Hopefully, this helped clear up some of the confusion surrounding the topic of selling your home. If you have any questions about today’s post, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to speak with you.

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Here are eight secrets that will help you fetch top dollar for your house when it comes time to sell.

*Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.
There are eight little-known tricks that will help you sell your home for the most money possible:
1. Improve your home’s curb appeal. This is a common tip, but here’s a secret: start with your mailbox. If your mailbox is clean, presentable, and stands up straight, it’ll help make a great first impression.

2. Use your rooms correctly. If you’re using your dining room or office space as an extra playroom, buyers will have a hard time visualizing the layout of the home and the potential uses for each space. To show off your home’s true potential, be sure to stage it.

3. Reglaze your bathrooms. Older homes tend to have outdated features that aren’t attractive to buyers. For just a couple hundred dollars, you can actually reglaze your bathroom fixtures like your toilet and sinks with a white, waterproof coating to give the space a brand-new feel without making costly replacements.

4. Make a story out of your home. Frame pictures you have of living in your home and place it where buyers can see it during showings. Seeing the memories you’ve made there and all the ways you’ve used the space can really resonate with buyers and help create an emotional connection between them and the home. Logic makes us think, but emotions make us act.

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Seeing the memories you’ve made there and all the ways you’ve used the space can really resonate with buyers and help create an emotional connection.
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5. List your home at 10% under its market value. Why? Data shows that if you list your home 10% under market value, you’ll attract 75% of the buyer pool, compared to only 30% if you list it 10% over market value. Great homes that are also more affordable will draw many buyers out of the woodwork. As long as you’re working with a solid marketing professional who can get the word out to the right number of people in the least amount of time, you’ll end up in a great spot.

6. Provide insider information with buyers. This is your opportunity to share what it is you love about the community. Give them the scoop about great things that go on around the home so they can start to feel excited about the prospect of living there

7. List the special features of your home. Make a whole list of your home’s special features so that buyers know all of what you’ve done to make the home more comfortable and accessible, like the new air conditioning unit you bought or the heated floors in the bathroom.

8. Create a video tour of your home. This is another great way to create an emotional connection for the buyers, and it will give them a good insight into what the property is all about. I will say, though, that not every property deserves a full-on video tour; for some homes, a 360° video tour can actually be detrimental. Be sure to only show off the best things that your home has to offer.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get the maximum value for your home when you find the right buyer. If you have any questions about selling your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to be a resource for you.

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For a certain segment of the market, selling a home is going to get a little more expensive. Here’s why.*Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.* Want to buy* a home? Search all homes for sale.In the state of Washington, the real estate excise tax is currently made up of a 1.28% rate from the state and a .5% local tax to total 1.78%. That’s all about to change come January 1, 2020.

If you’re considering selling, especially if you have some higher-end real estate or commercial property, it’s going to affect you. It won’t have a huge impact on the typical seller below that, however.

The 1.78% excise tax is due at the time of sale and is separate from a capital gains tax. On January 1, the total excise tax on homes in the $0 to $500,000 range will be 1.6%. From $500,000 to $1.5 million, that tax will remain the same at 1.78%. For homes valued in the $1.5 million to $3 million range, you will see a significant jump to 3.25%. For homes $3 million and above, the number is 3.5%. It’s based on the sale price of the home and is doubling for some property owners.

If you have any questions about this upcoming change or anything else related to real estate, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.