Real Estate - Keeping it Simple: Recent Episodes
Ray Dove
Informative information on all the steps of buying and selling real estate, as provided by a 40 year industry leader in the real estate business, as a full time Realtor. Experience and expertise you can trust
Yes, interest rates have gone down with some rate being just under 6% 30 year fixed rate and with that we are seeing more buyers in the market and some homes selling in less than a week. Yes, we are alos seeing a msall uptcik of homes on the market but still right around 2 months of inventory.
The latest real estate activity for homes and condominiums from NWMLS for the month of July 2025. Yes inventory has increased, a little, in all counties however we are still seeing many sales. With more buyer choices available it is a better time to buy then a year ago. As a seller, it is suggested that you get your home ready and priced correctly as if you do not your home may sit idle for a few months before it is sold.
Feel free to reach out to me should you seek advice from someone that has been a full time Realtor since 1978 - Experience and expertise that you can trust
Yes, inventory has increased but just a little as homes continue to sell, with some selling in less than a week and some taking longer. Summer months typically are slower so we will be watching how the market trends thru July and August. Make it a GREAT summer!
As I have mentioned before, the real estate inventory is creeping up yet it is still way below a "normal" inventory market. To be considered a normal and stabilized market for both buyers and sellers we would need to have 4 to 8 months of inventory. In also included my thoughts on buyers trying to renegotiate their buyer broker services agreement with their Realtor/real estate agent on the day of making a formal offer on a home.
We are seeing more homes come on the market and with those for sale we are seeing homes selling, some selling for over their asking prices!
Yes, home loan interest rates are edging downward! Appears to be a strong Spring market with some homes selling over their asking price
We are headed into our Spring market and are seeing a little more inventory, but not really, as homes are selliing, especially if they are priced accordingly. Yes, interest rates are edging downward and if they continue to do so we will see more buyer activity and if we do get more buyer activity with our current inventory of homes we will start seeing multiple offers and rising home prices.
As well as some added thoughts on getting approved for financing if you are serious about looking for a home, as a buyer, and getting your home ready to sell if you are a seller. Thanks for listening!
As expected, lower inventory in the month of December and likely attributed to the earlier wind storm and the holiday season. The Spring market will provide us with better information on how the 2025 real estate market will trend for these three counties in Washington State.
Our inventory has dipped again and am seeing even less inventory in Decmember. If we get lower home loan interest rates in the 1st quarter of 2025 we will see increased buyer traffic as well as increased home prices.
I added some thoughts on how to get ready to start your home search and some things to do to get your home ready to sell if you are a seller. I am also suggesting that you do the research as a buyer and seller to make sure that the information provided by the seller to the buyer is true and correct as the sellers have an obligation to represent their home with reliable and accurate information.
Good news for buyers - inventory has increased this past month, yet good homes are still selling qucikly. We are seeing some price adjustmenst as well and those new prices are making those homes very attractive. Good time to be a buyer and YES still a good time to be a seller.
Even with interest rates slowly going down we are seeing an increase in inventory, and adjusted asking prices, yet homes are still selling. I belive that this fall we will see more buyer activity and inventory decreasing due to lower interest rates. Have also included in this Podcast some thoughts on VA and FHA assumable loans and my thoughts on getting your home ready to sell to maximize your selling price.
We are seeing a bump in inventory, not much, yet if interest rates continue to move downward the inventory is likely to decrease with increased buyer activity. We are seeing, in some markets, multiple offers and homes selling over their asking prices.
Seeing a bump in inventory yet several properties are selling with multiple offers, even with rising interest rates.
A few examples of why good buyer brokers are worth every penny you spend on having them represent you as those good brokers do far more than "just" opening a door for you. Their value is way beyond showing you homes!
Starting to see a little more inventory to select from yet good homes that are priced well are selling in less than a week. Interest rates are down to 7% 30 year fixed this week.
This Podcast includes a letter sent to ALL NWMLS members in Washington State so I decided to share that letter with you so that you had "real" information instead of how the media spins things. If you would like more information feel free to reach out to me.
Some advice andon the ideal steps to take to either sell your parents home and/or to help your aprents downsize to a smaller home or move to a 55+ neighborhood.
We are starting to see homes come on the market that have VA and FHA assumable loans, so do not overlook them as they might be a good opportunity for you to assume at their low interest rates,.
Lnd lastly - the proper etiquette for visiting open houses and/or visiting a home with your buyers agent
Again, homes are selling and prices continue to go up, yet we still have very low inventory!
Yes, the Spring real estate market is underway, seeing a few more properties come on the market, yet even with higher interest rates homes are still going up in value and selling quickly
As we go forward and tranistion to the new state law I wanted to share my insights on the obligations of buyers agents as they represent buyers, as it pertains to the new law. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Yes, even with low inventory we are seeing homes sale, with some homes getting multiple offers.
Yes, we continue to struggle with very low inventory, yet buyers are looking and buying homes with a few homes being sold after receiving multiple offers. If we see any interest rate reductions I think the market will get busier with more buyer activity and the inventory will contuinue to shrink as all indications are that we will not see any increase in any inventory for the next few years
What is going on with the mortgage rates? What does it look like for interest rates in the near future? Are there and loan programs that are appealing to buyers? Is this a good time to buy or sell?
Happy New Year! December was another month of continued low inventory, the only real highlight was that interest rates had fallen to the low 6% which helped with increased sales. I believe that rates will fall to the mid 5's by the spring of 2024. As a reminder, Jan 1 2024 ALL buyers MUST sign the new state approved Buyer Broker Service Agreement. Thinking of selling? Get your home prepared to sell. If you are looking to buy a home then get pre-approved for financing. I expect a busy 1st quarter for 2024 with good homes selling quickly
Yes, interest rates continue to go down, and Yes home are selling!
Starting Jan 2024 there will be new rules on buyer representation, written contracts, that will include how the buyer broker will be compensated, either from the seller(s) or the buyer(s).
YES, homes are still selling, YES buyers are looking and YES interest rates have gone down for the last 2 weeks. - There are lots of great homes to buy!
Yes, the market is still very active with lots of buyer interest in "good" homes (homes in good condition and preiced according to current market valuations) even with higher interest rates. We also have new state laws taking place effective January 2024, have a discussion with your real estate Agent/Broker about the changes as this will affect BOTH Buyers and Sellers.
Consisten theme, no inventory, higher interest rates and yet buyers are active and buying. A good time to sell!
Ranting somewhat but what I discuss today is very valid on how real estate transactions can go sideways and fall apart. The best offense is to have a good defense, meaning get your home ready to sell and have full transparency to all parties and you will likely have a very satisfactory and successful transaction.
As we continue to work with the challenges of VERY low inventory we are still seeing homes sell as well as home prices remaining clsoe to their values for a year ago.
Great time to be a buyer!
Low, Low, Low inventory yet what is on the market is selling for 30 days or less, depending on certain market areas.
Low, Low inventory and YES homes are selling with some selling for much higher than their asking prices.
I am perplexed as to why they would bring in such a program that penalizes people for having good paying jobs, good credit and a history of saving money so that they can have a larger downpayment - I think this is absolutely ridiculous!
So far, with dinishing inventory we are seeing a lack luster Spring market yet even with higher interest rates we have buyers not only looking to buy they ARE buying homes.
Decided to share my thoughts as well as additional information from
Inman Real Estate (real estate industry newsletter) on the trends we
have seen in the past and what we are seeing unfold in our Spring 2023
real estate market.
Always good to look at the past trends and how those trends are shaping
our current market
We are seeing lots of buyer activity, yet we are also seeing very little inventory so when you go to look at homes you may be up against competing offers from other buyers. If you are a seller and price your home/property according to the current market you may very well see multiple offers.
Read some articles on Predictions for the 2023 real estate market, thought I would share, in this Podcast, the Predictions that are floating around. Some of these make sense and may very well come true and some may not come true as the interest rates and inventory challenges will have a major effect on these and other predictions.
I think ALL property owners will be or are shocked at the recent Property Tax assessments for 2022, since they increased from 25% to 52% in 1 year and the taxes increased from 10% to 30% - the largest increase I have seen in King County for taxes due in 2023
Yes, we are seeing a little more homes going on the market BUT we are also seeing more sales and more activity at our open houses. All this could lead up to a busy Spring market, especially if long term interest rates go down
Inspite of the holidays, the rain, the snow and the ice strom homes were still coming on the market and selling, although at a slower pace, yet we are seeing more buyer activity in the month of January 2023
Just a quick update on the excise tax changes effective January 1, 2023.
Excise tax is paid by the seller, at close of escrow.
YES, we are seeing an increase in homes going on the market, yet we are still way below what a typical and equal balanced real estate market looks like - 4 to 6 months of inventory. We are now at 2 months of inventory. Yes, homes are selling, Yes some homes are selling in less than a week and Yes some homes are selling for over their asking price, but the majority of homes are staying on the market longer. Great time to be a buyer!
This is a very good time to be a buyer! If you are a home seller, make sure your home price is in alignment with the current market values as if it is we are seeing homes priced correctly selling in less than a week.
NWMLS (Our MLS) Sales activity ending August 2022 for ALL residential homes and condos for King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties
Mathew is the CEO of QuantmRE, a company that solves a real problem for homeowners by helping them access a portion of their home equity without the homeowner taking on more debt by using a Home Equity Contract.
Find out more about this opportunity, as a homeowner or investor, at the following website: www.quantmre.com
YES, homes are selling still! YES, our inventory has grown to 2 months of availability.!
YES, interest rates are coming down! YES, this is a great time to buy and sell a home!
The latest sales statistics from our local MLS (NWMLS) and some added thoughts on the market from me and from opinions on the national level
Yes, interest rates have gone up too, yet buyers are still buying homes and home prices are still going up from a year ago
Yes, it is true, we are seeing a little more inventory and some homes are remaining on the market over a wee with some over 2 weeks yet many homes are still selling fast?
In my opinion, this IS NOT 2008! So many different and stronger variables than what had taken place in 2008. Please remember, buying real estate is not a short-term investment and Lenders are in the business of making loans so we will see more types of loans become available to fit your budget. As a buyer don't get discouraged and don't give up. As a seller, you may not see as many offers on your home but homes are selling and selling within 7 days if priced to what the market feels is a good value.
Yes, homes are still selling and Yes most of them are selling in 7 days or less yet are they selling for more than the asking price? We have seen several price reductions after homes being on the market for over a week, we are seeing fewer offers on homes with some homes receiving only 1 offer.
Good time to buy? I would not give up on your search as it appears that you will be competing with fewer buyers which could mean not paying way over the sellers asking price.
The latest statistics from our MLS for the month ending February 2022 PLUS
an update on current interest rates and the loan approval process from Laurie Ausmus (NMLS - 116156 | Sr Loan Originator) with Washington First Mortgage Loan Corp. NMLS 854647
Thie week, and in future weeks Laurie will be a guest as she brings us Mortgage updates on interest rates and anything new to be aware of, when obtaining a home loan
Statistics from our local MLS and articles on the real estate market on a national level
Just a candid conversation about the early Spring market and some of the challenges of "winning" a home. Laurie with Washington 1st Mortgage is ready to help you get approved for your home loan, contact her today
Just a quick summary of our sales for December 2021 in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties as well as the available inventory in homes and condominiums that are for sale.
Have a great 2022!
An issue I ran across with a home that was sold by another agent where incorrect information was provided to potential home buyers on the validity of the home's septic system and the permits of the addition to the home. Even in our very competitive market, it is always best, as a buyer, to ask questions before buying a home to confirm that what the seller is stating is true and correct, especially when it comes to the home's septic system.
Just a quick Podcast on the year to date snapshot of the national market and the predictions for 2022 for sales, inventory, and prices for home
Just a quick recap on our current market and the trends of low inventory and my recent experiences on 2 homes I had placed on the market (both are sold, yet 2 different experiences)
Covering King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties - the most recent activity and thoughts on our current real estate market
An article I read from Realtor.com giving us a glimpse of the market nat5ion wide and what they have seen.
Just a quick update on the real estate activity for King and Snohomish Counties in our local MLS (NWMLS)
Hot off the press from our MLS - The latest sales activity for July 2021 plus my comments on how the market is strending
Great conversation with Brock today as he shares his success of starting with a duplex and then leveling up to an 89 unit apartment building. Many ways to accomplish this by being a partner in win TIC (Tenants in Common), LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) with partners
as well as a Joint Ventures (JV). Get connected with Brock and learn more on how to get your wealth thru real estate investing.
Email: brock@smartassetcapital.com
Web Site: Smartassetcapital.com
Quick podcast on the recent sales activity for King and Snohomish counties for Residental and Condominiums. Still, a very strong sellers market, yet some buyer opportunities are starting to show up
We are also seeing some price reductions as well as longer days on markets. Some homes are not selling on their offer review date, and some homes are only getting 1 offer. Now would be a great time to buy before interest rates go up.
Mr. Van Sturgeon has is passionate about helping homeowners and real estate investors overcome their fears of home renovations and in buying and flipping homes. He has been on several Podcasts (The C.A.R.E More & Work Less by Jeffrey Wood, A Guy that Know A Guy by Michael Whitehouse, Culture Sway by Antonia Moore, and Relish the Journey by Myles Biggs).
He has also been featured in the following articles: Los Angeles Tribune, The Ritz Herald, The Hutson Weekly, Madison Graph, Lincoln Citizen, Belmont Star, Yahoo News, and Yahoo Finance.
He has lots of information and EBooks on his website: www.vansturgeon.com and you can also find him on IG #vansyurgeon.
A valuable resource that will help you become more successful in your home renovations and home flip business
.... a great Lender to call or email to get Pre-Approved for your home loan.
Thanks for listening!
My recap on an email I received from an article on Money Magazine about how to clean up your credit by having a qualified Credit Repair company help you.
As well as a thought on how to increase your credit score if you are renting, and some other market stat from other cities in the U.S..
Just a quick update on the current trend on sales and inventory for the month of March 2021,
from our local MLS
PLUS some added thoughts on understanding the current real estate market as a buyer or seller
How do you prepare to compete for a house as a home buyer? Plus the many things I have done to help sellers and buyers during the escrow process of dealing with house issues.
Read a few articles this week that I thought I would share with you as they addressed getting your home ready for the market as well as some ideas and suggestions on showing your home. Even in our strong seller's market these tips and suggestions will help your home stand out and attract multiple buyers, helping you obtain the highest possible price for your home
Our current inventory of homes for sale, what the expectations should be as a seller and as a buyer, Interest rates and home prices projections
Today's discussion was an update on current interest rates, current trends in the housing market, what does 2021 look like for interest rates and inventory, the Pre-Approval process and how important that is when making an offer on a home PLUS much more
Just some ideas and suggestions to make your home feel warm and cozy, as well as desirable for potential home buyers, during the holiday season. Found some great reminders on home safety, as well as redecorating and painting suggestions from the Seattle Times. Happy Holidays!
Sales Activity - New Listings, Pending Sales, Closed sales for October 2020, and for Year to Date 2020. It is a very aggressive sellers market with low inventory and low interest rates
Latest information on current sales of homes and condos. Multiple offers, big price changes and more
Although late, here are the sales activity for Homes and Condos in the King and Snohomish Counties of Washington. Also included are my thoughts on how to get ready to seel your home ins a strong sellers market and what to do to get prepared when looking to buy a home when you are competing with others for the same home
I have also included, in today's Podcast, the latest real estate activity, Sales and Pending sales, from the Seattle Times for the first week of August 2020 - August 9th.
Getting a loan can be challenging, even with low-interest rates due to the new lender criteria. Stay up to date on the New State Mandates. Home sales for the week, your market activity update
My thoughts and suggestions from an article I read in the Seattle Times on the steps to take when buying a home without hiring a real estate agent or Realtor. As you may know, there are many steps in finding and buying a home, and YES you should have the option to buy a home without hiring a real estate agent or Realtor but keep in mind that a home purchase is more complex, as I have outlined in my Podcast today
Here is the most updated information on our sales for the Month of June 2020 for the King and Snohomish counties of Washington
Yes, it is a HOT seller's market with multiple offers on homes that are priced well. In a market like this, it is VERY important to choose the right real estate agent to fully represent you so that you succeed in either buying or selling a home.
Great conversation with Marilyn Conyers with THE TOUCHETTE TEAM at Caliber Home Loans. She is happy to help you and answer all of your questions about home loans.
Cell:(425)949-0626 or Email: marilyn.conyers@caliberhomeloans.com.
Lots of good information and insights on Mortgage Forbearance, Credit reviews, Loan Underwriter guidelines for debt to income ratios, Interest rates, and the loan approval process timeline. All very important when buying a home or refinancing your existing home loan.
Our MLS monthly sales statistics for the Month of May 2020, plus some added thoughts on our real estate market
Discussing the proper protocols for showing a home and also dealing with inspections and the proper protocols. A brief discussion on Unemployment benefits and Mortgage Forbearance and how that will affect your ability to secure either new loan or your refinance loan
Just some quick market stats on homes that recently went on the market (Active New) and Pending sales in April (Homes that successfully went under contract in the month of April) as well as days on market and how these stats for this year compared to 2019 ion the same month
A quick in-depth discussion and how each of these work as you decide to navigate these challenges and opprtunities
Thoughts and suggestions regarding the Mortgage Forbearance Program, as well as what Lenders are and are not doing with Jumbo Mortgage Loans and Refinances.
Thoughts and suggestions as you navigate through all the options and challenges during these interesting times. Reach out to those you trust and get the right information to make the right choice for you.
Here are the latest rules, as modified by Governor Inslee, for the real estate industry during our Stay Home and stay healthy Mandate. I also added my thoughts on home sale trends during this turbulent time
Be Safe, Stay Healthy!
Update on the new mandate by Governor Inslee on what real estate agents/brokers are allowed to do and not do during this mandate period. Also, my thoughts on best strategies for buying or selling a home during this time
Ver 2 of my thoughts on how we should handle the corona virus issues when looking at homes and selling a home as well as some updates from our MLS on open houses and updates on expectations of getting home sales closed
Just my thoughts, and a few reminders on some best practices when putting your home on the market. The conversations you should have with your real estate agents so that everyone involved feels safe
If you are buying or selling real estate why not interview me? I have over 40 years of Experience and Expertise. In addition to all of the information I have discussed on my previous Podcasts I thought I would share more on why I would be a good real estate agent for in your efforts to buy or sell real estate. Maybe you will feel the same and will make an appointment to meet with me.
Things to know about your credit and where to go to get help in improve your credit scores
Stats from our local MLS (NWMLS) for 2019, what trends we are seeing for 2020 in housing inventory, what interest rates are doing and in buyer activity
Short Sales, Foreclosures and Bankruptcy sales - a quick review and what each of these are as well as my thoughts on some of the risks and benefits of buying a distressed property
My thoughts and insights into the upcoming Spring real estate market of 2020 with low interest rates and limited inventory. What you might want to consider as you either prepare to sell or buy a home
Some quick thoughts and suggestions on how to value the opportunities in buying investment properties - which best suits your needs - Single family or Multi-Family?
Just a quick review of the current polices and rules for Capital Gains on your primary home and the needed steps for a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange on your investment properties
Where does Zillow get the homes to advertise on their web site?
How does Zillow choose real estate agents to work with people who found a home on Zillow?
More information on the advantages and disadvantages of a Pocket Listing, for the seller
My thoughts on the brokerage fees charged...i.e.,. Commissions that real estate agents charge and earn and how the discussion in the news never reveals how commissions really work and the risk real estate agents take when working with sellers and buyers. Can an hourly fee work better?
What should you, as a buyer and as a seller, expect when a home has been inspection by a building inspector? What you should be looking for and what should not be part of an inspection response? I try to answer some of those questions
Some suggestions on how to show your home during the holidays and some encouragement to buyers to go look to buy a home during the holiday season as it is a great time of year to sell or buy a home
My thoughts on the current market, possible trends on the growth in our area and how this may effect homes sales. Have added some suggestions to help you get prepared and ready to sell or buy a home.
Before you really begin your home search process, it's best to have a lender in place with a pre-approved loan amount so you know how much you really have to work with. But how do you find a lender? What's the difference between banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers?
We'll cover all of that and give you a few things to consider as you tackle that process.
Real Estate is full of jargon. You hear words like 'Title & Escrow' all the time. But what do they mean and why are they important?
We talk about those things and more this week. Have a listen, let us know if you have questions and as always, let us know if you have any topics you'd like us to cover!
The NWMLS is the main governing body for the Real Estate industry in the state of Washington. Not only is it is a great resource for getting homes listed and before as many prospective buyers as possible, it also works to protect the rights of buyers and sellers.
Beginning October 1, 2019, a new rule about the disclosure of Buyer/Broker fees will go into effect. Find out what you need to know.
Financing is a key part of buying a new home. And to get that financing, banks are going to run a credit report on you. Do you know what your credit score looks like? Do you think it's accurate? Do you need some help getting it corrected or repaired?
In this episode, we talk with Maria Kolesnikoff with Kidworth Group & Associates about credit. Things to consider, best ways to go about checking your score, what you can do to maintain your score or what you can do to help it!
If you're selling a home, holding an Open House is a great way to attract a lot of people to your home. What should you do to prepare for that event? What is your agent's role?
If you're looking for homes, go to some Open Houses! But consider a few points of etiquette when visiting other homes.
We'll give you an idea of what to expect, whether you're the home seller or looking to purchase a home.
This week we talk about home staging. Is it necessary? Can I do it myself or do I need to hire someone? Where did the idea of staging a home even come from and what all does it entail?
Tune in as we answer these questions and more!
Listing your home is really just Real Estate jargon for putting your home on the market.
What things should you consider? Do you need an agent? How do you find an agent? What kinds of things need to happen to make sure your home is ready? Is staging necessary?
We'll answer these questions and more!
You saved the money. You've secured home financing. You've made your list of home/location criteria. Now what? How do you find these homes? Is an agent necessary? What do you risk if you do it on your own?
We'll answer these questions and more!
Buying and/or selling a house should be an exciting time. It usually signals a new chapter full of anticipation. Except the forms. What a killjoy. But they are an important and necessary part of the process for all parties involved. We'll address some of the 'whys' behind those forms and let you know how your Realtor can help.
The idea of a building inspection for a home you're trying to buy or sell sounds a bit scary. It can be easy to think the inspector is trying to ruin everything. But that's really not the case. Find out more about this process and why it's really not as daunting as it seems.
Buyer's Agent, Seller's Agent, Dual Agency . . . You hear these terms thrown around, but what do they really mean? How can you be sure your agent is really representing you, whether you're a buyer or a seller?
C,C,&Rs, HOA, Sewer capacity . . . What does all of that mean and how can they affect the home buying process?
So you want to buy a house. But where do you begin? There are so many things to consider from finding an agent, looking at financing, knowing where to find houses . . . it can be overwhelming!
This episode provides valuable insight on how to get started and important things to consider in your home search process.