Seattle Market Update
The hottest season in real estate in our area is usually spring (April through mid-June), followed by fall (Labor Day through October). But nothing about 2020 has been normal. With shut-down orders in the spring, summer became the new home-buying season. And now, fall buying season is in full swing.
In the Greater Seattle area, the most affordable homes continue to be the hottest commodities on the market. Prices keep climbing among homes that sell for less than $452,456, which represent the most affordable third of all homes sold. Those homes are concentrated in Pierce and Snohomish counties.
For single family homes in King County, specifically urban areas like Seattle and Bellevue, the market remains competitive as buyers continue to experience bidding wars amid historically low housing inventory. The market for homes priced less than $800,000 is especially intense, as homebuyers and former condo-dwellers look for more space as the pandemic drags into its eighth month.
Instead of price increases, we are seeing steep price drops in the urban condo market. With remote working, commute times aren’t as important as more space for a home office and access to the outdoors. Also, many condos are investment properties and for a number of reasons, Seattle landlords are off-loading their city properties. Less demand for these condos and increased inventory has resulted in a downward pressure on prices.
Everything is taking a little longer
County offices, title companies, escrow closers, lenders and contractors are struggling to keep up or meet deadlines. Getting permits, completing inspection work orders, processing applications for septic inspection approvals (required when transferring property), recording sales transactions at the recorder’s office, etc. all takes a little longer now. Some contractors weren’t allowed to work or only allowed to do emergency repairs this Spring and are playing catchup. Title and escrow offices are doing most of their work remotely. Some of the work force hasn’t returned. All of this is slowing things down. King County offices and businesses specifically are affected and sometimes this can delay the closing of some real estate transactions.
Our Listings
West Seattle Luxury Townhouse: Available: 2 bed/2.5 bath plus den/office, tandem garage – San Francisco Style Townhouse at coveted Sylvan Ridge: 2701 SW Sylvan Heights Dr, Seattle, WA 98106. – $499,950.
Capitol Hill Condo: Available: 2 bed/1.5 bath – Enjoy a view of the Space Needle and Downtown from your Living Room: 150 Melrose Ave E #204, Seattle, WA 98102 – $499,950.
Graham Home on 5 acres: Pending Inspection/backup offers welcome: 4 bed/2.5 bath, 3-car-garage – Live where the elk roam: 30610 70th Ave E, Graham, WA – $550,000.
We’d love to hear from you
Any questions, comments, or feedback? Contact us any time.
Thank you,
Kerstin & Krisanne
Brooks & Heinze Team
at Skyline Properties, Inc.
Kerstin Brooks: 206.276.5827
Krisanne Heinze: 206.920.2541
Email: info@propertyinseattle.com Web: www.propertyinseattle.com
