Steve McDonald, CRS
(206) 218-7653
Serving the Seattle Metropolitan Area
Create an Account
Creating an Account allows you greater access to additional home search features. Click Login below to begin.
Click Here to Log In
Full Time and Full Service
Lets face it, real estate transactions are complex regardless of whether you are a Seller or a Buyer. No matter if you've been looking at properties online for a while or just getting started, selling or buying a home is one time when working with a professional really pays. Being a local market expert and competent negotiator I can help you turn your dreams into a reality. Working full time, I will provide you personalized service to meet your specific needs. In addition, my network of trusted professionals are ready to assist you with financing, inspection and home staging. That's probably why past clients feel, "The service we received was outstanding. Steve was professional, courteous, tireless and trustworthy throughout the entire process."
My website, RealtySeattle.com, is loaded with information and has many helpful tools to advance your real estate goals. You can gain immediate access to Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) and Search for your perfect home or condo. There are also community and school reports to help you assess those important details that define the right neighborhood. If you are considering a relocation to Seattle I can bring you up to speed on our local amenities, school districts and even commuting challenges. So help yourself to the amenities. And when you are ready to put your plans into action, I am available to share my expertise and maybe even a few laughs.
Emerald City ... Jet City ... Queen City
Don't let Seattle's relaxed pace and easy-going lifestyle fool you. This hip metropolis is full of clubs, coffee houses, performance halls not to mention museums, cinemas and retail shops. Need some refreshments? There are all sorts of culinary menus to tempt your tastebuds - Indain, Thai, Chinese, Sushi and more. There isn't a food genre that isn't available. Once you're sated you can feed your other senses by hitting the Ballard Tavern scene, strolling the Alki waterfront or catching a game in SODO. If your idea of fun is more physical then take a hike, go kayaking of dive in the Sound. There's some great National Parks within 30 minutes of downtown. The abundance of lakes, bays and salt water probably explains why Seattleites have more boats per capita than any other U.S. city. There are also more pets than children putting new meaning into the phrase "man's best friend". But with all there is to do, it's just as easy to kick-back and just appreciate the beautiful vistas of mountains, water and greenery. Maybe the reason it has so many nicknames is because Seattle has something for everyone.
Market Trends
Where does the time go? We're halfway through 2010 and Seattle continues to experience an unusual real estate market. Foreclosures, Short-sales and other distressed properties are still plentiful but many of the more standard listings are hard to come by especiallly on the north side of town. Bring on a well priced home in good condition and there is sure to be several parties interested. And now that the First Time Homebuyer tax credit is gone, it doesn't take much for a buyer to move on. Then again I'm surprised to see the property virgins going strong. Guess the low interest rates and affordable prices is really what keeps them in the game. After seeing the average absorption rate around town go from 9+ months in January to under 6 months supply in May you might think it's more like a seller's market if it weren't for the continued decline in prices.
It seems people I know feel it's going to be a while before prices start to bounce back in our area. The uncertainty of unemployment and job security not to mention state budget issues is doing a lot to keep any unbridled optimism at bay. Still location really makes a difference when it comes to successful selling. You almost can't go wrong in Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake and Ravenna. Unfortunately it's a different story south of downtown. Queen Anne and Capitol Hill continue to hold their own. Though that's not the case for condos in the same areas. An abundance of choices and overbuilding in the past has created a large inventory resulting in lengthy market time. Prospective sellers remain content to make do rather than take deep discounts on their homes. Some even opt ot rent their current homes and buy a new home especially if it's a step up. Anyone who can is refinancing as long as they bought more than 5 years ago.
It seems people I know feel it's going to be a while before prices start to bounce back in our area. The uncertainty of unemployment and job security not to mention state budget issues is doing a lot to keep any unbridled optimism at bay. Still location really makes a difference when it comes to successful selling. You almost can't go wrong in Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake and Ravenna. Unfortunately it's a different story south of downtown. Queen Anne and Capitol Hill continue to hold their own. Though that's not the case for condos in the same areas. An abundance of choices and overbuilding in the past has created a large inventory resulting in lengthy market time. Prospective sellers remain content to make do rather than take deep discounts on their homes. Some even opt ot rent their current homes and buy a new home especially if it's a step up. Anyone who can is refinancing as long as they bought more than 5 years ago.
Most industry experts seem to think that there won't be much of an improvement (point of view) until mid-2011. And that may not be without a continued rise in short-sales and another waive of foreclosures. Similarly, lenders don't see a significant rise in interest rates for the remainder of the year. Once all the dead wood is moved away it's likely we may actually witness a shortage of listings. If Seattle is truly positioned to benefit from and early rebound in the market as predicted then that would also bring about increased valuations due to inadequate supply. So if you're a seller you may want to sit tight and get your property spruced up for battle. As for you buyers there is no time like the present to take advantage of low prices and low rates whether or not you're a first time buyer or looking to move up.
Steve McDonald welcomes you to www.residentialpro.com
By using this website you will enjoy searching for Real Estate on one of the most current and complete websites. View millions of photos of homes and thousands of properties for sale. This is your one stop shopping site for real estate in the Greater Lynnwood Area and beyond.
Join My Website
Joining my website allows you access to more information such as Driving Directions, Complete Address Information and More.
Joining my website also unlocks additional features for you to use in your real estate searches like Saving Favorite Listings and Saving Searches so you can quickly pick up where you left off. Saving Searches also allows you to have new listings that come on the market each day which meet your search criteria, sent to you via Automatic Email Notifications.
© 2010 RealtySeattle.Com
