Silverdale WA Real Estate | February Homes Sold 2010

During the month of February there were 5 (1 less than January) homes that sold in Silverdale. These Silverdale homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner’s name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site. There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Silverdale Washington.

Let’s look at those 5 Silverdale homes that sold in February -

Average List Price

• $286,570 [$268,117 January, $318,570 December]
• $136 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

• $281,970 [$259,483 January,$308,880 December]
• $134 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these Silverdale homes was 2062 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 93 days on the market (DOM).  Days on market continues to drop in Silverdale.

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 98.39 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 98.39% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Silverdale, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates – Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for January would be 12.4 months – ouch! We had been down to 5 months in the last quarter of 2009.  Of course remember we are looking at a trend, so as we go through 2010 we will get a better picture.  Hopefully, low number of closings in January is not a trend.

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Kitsap County Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

“Statistics not compiled or published by NWMLS.” Equal Opportunity Housing All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed

Bremerton WA Real Estate | February Homes Sold 2010

During the month of February  there were 42 homes that sold in Bremerton.   [zip codes: 98310, 98311, 98312, 98314, 98337].   That is the same number as January which was 40 homes less than December 2009. Not a good start to 2010!    These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner’s name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site. There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Bremerton Washington.

Let’s look at those 42 Bremerton homes -

Average List Price

• $220,258 [$203,640 January $224,396 December]
• $125

Average Sold Price

• $213,465 [$201,166 January $218,171 December]
• $120

The average sq ft of these 42 Bremerton homes was 1781 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 113 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 96.91 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 96.91% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Bremerton, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates – Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for February would be 10 months – ouch! We had been down to 5 months in the last quarter of 2009.  Of course remember we are looking at a trend, so as we go through 2010 we will get a better picture.  Hopefully, low number of closings in January is not a trend.  If we included the pendings the absorption rate would jump to 13 months of inventory!

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Kitsap County Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

Port Orchard WA Real Estate | February Homes Sold 2010

During the month of February there were 32. [10 homes less than January and a decline from December too.] homes that sold in Port Orchard.   These Port Orchard homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner’s name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site. There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Port Orchard Washington.

Let’s look at those 32 Port Orchard homes -

Average List Price

• $ $241,177 [$245,351 January]
• $126 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

• $227,483 [$239,603 January]
• $119 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 32 Port Orchard homes was 1907 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 102 days on the market (DOM) [50 less than January - price is the key].

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 94.32  percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 94.32 of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Port Orchard, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT!  NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

So what can $6,500 really do? Incentive for “step-up” buyers

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates – Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for January would be 12.78  months, up from 8.9 in January.  There are 410 homes currently on the market – ouch!  We had been down to 6 months in the last quarter of 2009.  Of course remember we are looking at a trend, so as we go through 2010 we will get a better picture.  Spring is almost here and the tax credit is going to expire in April – I hope this spurs the market!

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Kitsap County Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

“Statistics not compiled or published by NWMLS.”  Equal Opportunity Housing All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.”

Bremerton Market Snap Shot – It’s almost Spring!

There are 23 days until Spring! There are 64 days until the extended first-time home buyer tax credit expires! Can you believe that!  Soon the first quarter of 2010 will be in the books! I thought that I would just look at some market data today and give you all an update for the Bremerton area.  This is East Bremerton, West Bremerton, Downtown and any address that has Bremerton listed as the city.

The Bremerton 2010 real estate market is of to just a little slower start than 2009. I think with the uncertainty of the economy the first quarter will close at the same or lower than 2009.

Are short sales effecting the market? I think that short sales effect neighborhoods more importantly than the market as a whole.  Currently in Bremerton there are 60 short sale properties.  That is just 13% of the total inventory.  There are 464 homes on the market in Bremerton right now.  The list price for these short sales averages to $221,655 with a 141 days on market.

What about Bank Owned properties? I have to tell you that some bank owned properties really tick me off.  For some reason some of the homes are listed below what the true market is and hence really can hurt a local neighborhood.  There are currently 30 bank owned homes on the market in Bremerton – just about 6.5% of the total inventory.  There are some real dogs out there – some that wouldn’t even be eligible for lender financing!  Bank Owned homes are hit and miss – maybe a good buy and maybe a nightmare!  These homes are listed for an average of $228,740 with 84 days on market.

To date in the Bremerton Real Estate Market  there have been 75 home sold and closed. These homes were listed with an average price of $211,432 and actually sold for an average sales price of $207,600 or 98% of list to sale ratio.  These homes were on the market for an average of 101 days.

In 2009 there were 86 homes sold in the Bremerton area for the same time period.  These homes were listed with an average price of $216,024 and actually sold for an average sales price of $209,272 or 96% list to sale ratio.

So, there you have a little Market Snap Shot – not real good news but not real bad news. You can contact me with any specific questions on specific properties.  I will gladly get you the information I have access to.

Port Orchard Homes For Sale – Bank Owned Foreclosure

Port Orchard Homes For Sale – Bank Owned Foreclosure

If you have followed the local housing market you know that there have been several homes in our area of Port Orchard that are either listed for sale as a short-sale* or a foreclosure home now owned by the bank.

Currently there are 24 homes in the Port Orchard area that are bank owned.  They list from $114,000 to $790,000.  Several of these homes are listed lower than the Kitsap County assessment.

If you are looking for a deal on a Port Orchard home you might just want to see these homes.  Just email me and I will send you the list with any strings attached.  Take a look at the list and decide if you want to go further.

Remember the first-time home-buyer tax credit expires April 30, 2010 with closing no later than June 30, 2010, so time is running out.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Port Orchard, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT!  NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

So what can $6,500 really do? Incentive for “step-up” buyers

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates – Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for January would be 8.9 months  which means it is still a BUYER’S MARKET in Port Orchard!

Port Orchard WA Real Estate | January Homes Sold 2010

During the month of January there were 42. [only 7 homes less than December] homes that sold in Port Orchard.   These Port Orchard homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner’s name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site. There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Port Orchard Washington.

Let’s look at those 42 Port Orchard homes -

Average List Price

• $245,351 [$275,956 December]
• $126 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

• $239,603 [$270,345 December]
• $123 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 42 Port Orchard homes was 1991 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 152 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 97.65  percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 97.65% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Port Orchard, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT!  NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

So what can $6,500 really do? Incentive for “step-up” buyers

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates – Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for January would be 8.9 months – ouch! We had been down to 6 months in the last quarter of 2009.  Of course remember we are looking at a trend, so as we go through 2010 we will get a better picture.  Hopefully, low number of closings in January is not a trend.

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Kitsap County Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

“Statistics not compiled or published by NWMLS.”  Equal Opportunity Housing All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.”

Silverdale WA Real Estate | January Homes Sold 2010

During the month of January there were 6 (4 less than December) homes that sold in Silverdale. These Silverdale homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner’s name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site. There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Silverdale Washington.

Let’s look at those 6 Silverdale homes that sold in January -

Average List Price

• $268,117 [$318,570 December]
• $141 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

• $259,483 [$308,880 December]
• $137 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these Silverdale homes was 2176 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 112 days on the market (DOM).  Down from 135 in December.  Days on market continues to drop in Silverdale.

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 96.78 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 96.78% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Bremerton, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates – Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for January would be 9.5 months – ouch! We had been down to 5 months in the last quarter of 2009.  Of course remember we are looking at a trend, so as we go through 2010 we will get a better picture.  Hopefully, low number of closings in January is not a trend.

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Kitsap County Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

“Statistics not compiled or published by NWMLS.” Equal Opportunity Housing All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed

SELL YOUR HOUSE | The Blind Date

If you are getting ready to sell your house this spring you will want to get started now so you will be ready.  The spring market will be here in 6 weeks!  Getting your house ready to sell is a little bit like getting ready for a blind date.

Ever go on a blind date?  I can’t remember if I ever did.  Oh, maybe once.  Remember that someone you knew was setting you up with someone they knew.  They talked them up and tried to explain their looks and personality.  That is almost the same type of situation that a buyer has when going to a new listing.

Their agent knows the house (yours) and has talked it up to their buyer, has tried to explain the features off of the detail page listed in the MLS, has maybe even shown their buyer pictures.

This is your chance to shine, this is your first impression and remember what they say about first impressions –

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

Here are some tips to help you make a great first impression and a date that lasts longer that a few minutes.

• Check the exterior paint – touch up and clean up.
• Make sure window sills are bright and clean. Paint them if not.
• If you have shutters they must “pop” clean them or paint then a contrasting color.
• Front Door – You might want a new color, if not make sure it is in perfect working order and clean as a whistle!
• All windows must be clean.
• Grass mowed at least once a week.
• Walks edged.
• No WEEDS allowed.
• Plant some color spots around the walk up to the door.

These are just a few ideas that you can start with.  If you want me to give you a more detailed list just give me a shout and I can run on by and write you a personal list.

Next week I will give you some tips on the interior. What an entrance should say.

Bremerton WA Real Estate | January Homes Sold 2010

During the month of January  there were 42 homes that sold in Bremerton.   [zip codes: 98310, 98311, 98312, 98314, 98337].   That is 40 homes less than December 2009. Not a good start to 2010!    These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner’s name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site. There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Bremerton Washington.

Let’s look at those 42 Bremerton homes -

Average List Price

• $203,640 [$224,396 December]
• $130

Average Sold Price

• $201,166 [$218,171 December]
• $129

The average sq ft of these 42 Bremerton homes was 1623 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 94 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 98.83 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 98.83% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Bremerton, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates – Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for January would be 10 months – ouch! We had been down to 5 months in the last quarter of 2009.  Of course remember we are looking at a trend, so as we go through 2010 we will get a better picture.  Hopefully, low number of closings in January is not a trend.  If we included the pendings the absorption rate would jump to 13 months of inventory!

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Kitsap County Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

Bremerton Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

Bremerton Real Estate | Homes Sold Past

Bremerton Real Estate | Homes Sold Past 2006-2007-2008-2009

Home prices in Bremerton continue to adjust to the changing market in Kitsap County.  The median selling price of a Bremerton home in December was $206,000 and in 2007 the median home price was $242,950.

While sell numbers for the year were stronger than 2008 it is still too soon to say the market has bottomed out.  We still have an issue with the many short-sale properties on the market that may lead to more foreclosures.

I think the market is trying to recover but with the number of short sales and foreclosures that are expected to grow in 2010 and 2011 it will be a struggle.  Unless we can get banks to price their properties at current market value they will continue to drag the market down.

Currently in the Bremeton home market there are 59 short-sales and 36 foreclosed on homes for sale.  This represents 22% of the total inventory which is 425 homes on the market.  Because of these distressed properties prices may continue to slide.  The problem being the appraisal process and what these distressed properties once they have sold do to the market value of a neighborhood.

The local Bremerton home inventory has decreased dramatically over the last 18 months and is getting closer to what would be considered a more balanced market. There is currently approximately 5 months of inventory which, a few months back was almost 12.  Still a buyer’s market but with niche seller’s markets in certain price ranges.  The first-time home buyer markets can and have seen multiple offers on certain properties.

With the continuing and expanded tax credit and 40 year low interest rates the Bremerton market will continue to improve because of the typical lower prices than the rest of Kitsap County.

It may take a decade to get back to a steady rise of annual 3-5% rise in home values, but a home is still a good investment lending to benefits in other parts of your financial situation like interest deduction.

The bar chart below shows how many homes sold by month and year for 2006 through 2009.  The numerical chart below shows the actual numbers.

The following bar chart shows the average and median sold prices for the same years along with the days on market which is how many days it took the homes to sale.

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Bremerton WA Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

“Statistics not compiled or published by NWMLS.”  Equal Opportunity Housing All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

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