Seattle Housing Made Another Top 10 List

Another example that real estate is local - very local.  There is a lot of discussion about the housing market being stale and homes are sitting for months if not years.  Folks, here in Washington it's not time to panic.  Yes, homes are on the market longer than they were a year ago.  Yes, there is more inventory than there was a year ago.  Buyers and Sellers alike should rejoice, our market is returning to normal.  It is a healthy market. 

Forbes list of the Top 10 Best Cities for Sellers ranks Seattle as number 10.  Check it out:

1. San Jose, CA: Because of a tough regulatory environment, new home construction dropped 63% last year.
2. San Francisco, CA: When the conforming loan limit recently jumped from $417,000 to the maximum $729,750, that made credit much easier to get for many of the city's home buyers.
3. Salt Lake City, UT: The 3% annual job growth rate, paired with a declining inventory of existing homes and one of the nation's sharpest declines in construction made this market a good one for sellers.
4. Austin, TX: Texas is very affordable, plus the city has the nation's fastest job growth at 4.1%.
5. Kansas City, MO: The number of unsold, vacant houses dropped by 40% last year.
6. San Antonio, TX: Jobs are growing by 3% and construction starts have dropped by 42%.
7. Denver, CO: The 49% drop in construction starts paired with the 2% rise in new jobs are good news for sellers.
8. Providence, RI: Vacancy rates at 1.6% combined with a 42% cut in inventory help sellers.
9. Charlotte, NC: Moderate prices and strong job growth bode well for sellers.
10. Seattle, WA: Strong job growth and 42% decrease in new home construction are good news for sellers

As with any major metropolitan area, there will be pockets that perform better or worse than others.  I encourage you to speak with a REALTOR about what's happening in your area.  If you are interested in buying or selling a property, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Source for Top 10 list: Realtor Magazine/Forbes

New to Western Washington? Are you considering a move to the Emerald State? Just ask for my Welcome Home Washington booklet filled with helpful information about the area.

Thinking of buying or selling? I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you! I offer full time real estate expertise and advice to buyers, sellers, corporate and military relocations, new home purchases and investors.

Buyers: My services to you are FREE; Sellers: I don't get paid unless your home sells. I look forward to hearing from you!

Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
Direct: 425-374-2728
Email: Tina@TinaFaust.com
Web: http://www.tinafaust.com/