Vancouver, Washington Weekly Market View

Is a flattened market a good thing?

The Vancouver, Washington market has maintained a steady 12 months (give or take a couple of weeks) of inventory since March. Prices have continued lower overall. Is that the steady push of the inventory? Is this flattened activity a good sign when the rest of the economic world is in a panic?

The RMLS summary for September isn't out yet. In my own numbers tracking I see that the ratio of pending to active listings over the last two months has worsened, so I expect that will be reflected in a slight increase in inventory in September's report.

What does this suggest for home buyers or sellers (or investors)? Well, if you don't have to sell and you aren't planning to buy up, stay out of the fray. If you do have to sell, price below the last sale of comparable property to get sold fast; otherwise you may risk taking a lower price later. Is it time to buy if the prices could go lower? Well, if you don't anticipate selling in the next couple of years, yes, it looks like a good time to buy. In fact, it really seems like the interest rates are going to have to go higher, so if you aren't paying cash, you'll need to anticipate the ultimate cost to you if you wait for price decreases versus the potential interest increases.

Of course, this is just my guess and I'm not claiming any future-telling ability! Please do consult your own crystal ball for what's really going to happen in the future.