Sales Continue to Increase!

We've been reading it and living it and the media articles are supporting our opinions with data.  Sales have increased and we're seeing multiple offers in a variety of locations and price ranges in Puget Sound.  I think with better economic news locally that Buyers are ready to put the past behind them and become homeowners!  We have always loved being homeowners.....paint the way we want, remodel the way we want, and live the way we want!

http://www.inman.com/news/2012/04/26/pending-home-sales-near-2-year-high

Looks Like We're Following the Seattle Market!

This is not a surprise to the experienced real estate agents, as historically the home markets in Snohomish County follow the wave of increases in King County!

Boding well for the future of our investments...at least from the data today.

Seattle Housing Prices Going Up!

Prices Look Like They're Stabilizing in Snohomish County!

I've been seeing signs of inventory shrinkage and increased demand for houses for the past 3 months in Snohomish County. If you read the Herald today, you can see the article that concurs with what my observations and data are indicating. Finally. Take a deep breath!

If you are in the market to buy real estate and we've hit bottom, you should consider making a serious move!

Snohomish County Home Prices Look Stable!

FORECLOSURES LOSING STEAM?

From 2007 (late) to just a few months ago, every time I looked at our NWMLS dashboard, there were more new listings then sales....and in the past few months, that trend has continued.  There's a lot of talk about shadow inventory (homes the banks have foreclosed on but haven't replaced back on the market) and it would be interesting to see those statistics but today....today.....we're seeing inventories depleted and the market is starting to heat up. This feels like the spring market is shaping up just like the good 'ole days.  Course, time is the prover of all theories, but below you will find a link to an article by CNNMoney regarding foreclosures.  See what you think!

CNN Article link right here!

This is what I've been talking about!

At the beginning of our housing downturn, there were a number of homeowners who had to short sale their home.......and they are now eligible to repurchase.

Here's a link and a great article about eligibility!

Purchase Options for those Who have sold their properties in a Short Sale

This will contribute to the increased activity that we're seeing now!

My Thoughts of the Day......

Sometimes, just sometimes, I have to wonder if all of the changes in our on-line worlds are better or worse?  The new Facebook Timeline does not thrill me at all.  Looks like I might have to migrate this Blog over to a WordPress Blog to show up on my new Windermere Website.  Sigh.  Onward we march.....check out my newest listings at www.debbiebargersmith.com and have a great week!

PS.  If you have been contemplating buying or selling...I'm telling you, the market is PICKING UP!

Figuring Out This New Windermere Website

Okay, I have always ALWAYS considered myself Tech Savvy. However, I have just spent 3.5 hours trying to set up this "state of the art" website with Windermere.  Now don't get me wrong, I love the look, however I do wish this were just a little bit easier:)  As per usual, things never stay the same. I'm almost completely "geeked" out with an IPad 2, Droid Smart Phone, New Desktop and Relatively New Lap Top but I have to wonder, what do the readers want. If you've got an idea of what would make your life easier, do let me know!  I await your feedback:)

Relaxed Credit Standards for HomeOwner Refinances

Here it is, Freddie Mac relaxed their standards for strugging homeowners. HOWEVER, this is only if you have 20% equity in your home. For many people that is not likely and for those folks, there are other options! But...here is the link to this article!

New Government Program for relaxed refinance credit standards

Cash Buyers are Coming Out...

This is another interesting article that discusses the substantially larger percentage of cash buyers investing in real estate these days. It's due. There are deals out there right now and opportunities. Rental markets in many areas are very strong. People need places to live.

Here's the article Cash Buyers Made up 38% of the Market in 2011!

2012 Begins!

And so it begins.....a New Year.....New Commitments....New Comings and Goings.....New Housing Market.....and our Presidential Elections. I'm excited to have seen the past 4 years in my rear view mirror although I have met some fabulous people and had a great time.

I'm trying to focus on enjoying the moment, something I have sadly lacked in my life. My actual tendency is to fret over meaningless and meaningful details in every aspect of my life and I am determined to seriously reign that tendency in. That fretting in many ways is beneficial to my clients as I'm proactive, detail oriented and conscientious to the extreme. Those tendencies will certainly continue but I am determined to stop the fretting part. Worrying today over things you have no control of today robs of you the strength you need to actually deal with tomorrow. Commonsense and biblical:)

I intend to continue to get in better shape and better health. My husband and I are blessed with continued basically good health but for a few nagging aches and pains, however I intend to lose more weight and work out more often, longer, and with weights! Maybe Zumba is in my future. We'll have to wait and see:)

I will continue to increase my knowledge. When I was a child, I read biographies frequently. One thing I learned is that Miles Keogh's horse was the sole cavalry survivor in the battle of the Little Big Horn with Custer and Sitting Bull. I've been meaning to google that and check the facts as well as my memory. My current trend is to either read real estate articles or suspense/action books. I think I can do better than that. Striving for a balance between escaping and de-stressing and learning is one of my goals.

I will continue to provide my clients with stellar service. I love working with other agents who go out of their way to assist you in providing information or cooperation through transactions. I always strive to be that agent that every other agent wants to work with to a successful conclusion. And I love getting referrals from very satisfied customers. In advance I say thanks to you satisfied customers for sharing my name and work ethic with your friends and family!

I will further develop relationships with my friends. My tendency when I'm done working (which is often 50 - 70 hours/week) is to go home and isolate myself. Well, I do get to spend time with my husband of 35 years, Stephem, but in general, I make sure I get quiet time. I do love my quiet time but if I intend to work on myself as well as my personal relationships with others, I will need to get up and do it. Back to balance.

I intend to give thoughtful consideration to our coming Presidential Elections. I am not tied to either party and think both parties have it right and wrong. Research is in my future, here. I am hoping that America does the same. I'm compassionate, fiscally conservative, and both socially liberal in some ways and conservative in others, and a capitalist who wants everyone to have fabulous opportunities and for us to take really good care of the world around us. You see my dilemma. A middle of the road party would work really well for me. More balance!

I intend to continue to work for various projects in our community...via Rotary and the YMCA. Those organizations do a lot of worthy things for our community and I am very supportive of those efforts and actually involved in many volunteer hours. While I will continue to do that this year....well, back to balance!

And finally, last but not least, I wish you all a fabulous 2012 and look forward to sharing with you all a wonderful journey full of financial stability, excellent relationships, and fun, fun, fun!

Happy New Year!