“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Tony Meier - EastsideHomesBlog.com

Monday's Market Update - Seattle Condos

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates
By: Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor

This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind:

1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would like to know how things break down in a specific price range for an area, send me an email at tony@eastsidehomes.com

2. These numbers are a result of the sales activity over the last 7 weeks when comparing the number of active listing vs. the number of pending sales to determine what the market absorption rate is for a particular area.

3. When measuring the heat of the market, the following rules apply:

a. 12 weeks or less = Seller's Market

b. 12-24 weeks = Balanced Market

c. 24 or more weeks = Buyer's Market

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 140 (West Seattle) = 34 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 380 (Central Seattle) = 28.8 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 385 (SODO/Beacon Hill) = 23 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 390 (Central Seattle) = 28.8 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 700 (Queen Anne/Magnolia) = 31 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 701 (Belltown, Downtown) = 35.5 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 705 (Ballard/Greenlake) = 26 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 710 (North Seattle) = 20.9 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 715 (Richmond Beach) = 26.9 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 720 (Lake Forest Park) = 46.3 weeks of inventory

If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com

Bad MLS Photo Friday

Here is this week's installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleges here in the Northwest.

Lens1

Lens2

I can only imagine the conversation... Mr & Mrs Seller says "Thanks for taking the photos of our home, but what is the dark black spot on the bottom of each photo?" Agent responds with "I really don't know. I was wondering the same thing. Oh, well... we've got it on the market now and hopefully someone will buy it."

What that agent doesn't know or seem to care is... that their built in flash in being obstructed be their lens. The agent will probably earn of fee of 15k if they sell this home. Too bad, they couldn't spend a couple of hundred on accessory flash (a cheap place to start and would show no lens shadow) to make their clients home shine instead of fizzle!

If you are ready to sell your home and would like top notch photos showcasing it, give me a call. You can view some of my work here: It is part of my service and I will make sure your home stands out! You can check out my work for my home sellers at: http://www.tonymeierphotography.com/f1038471003/

If your home is already on the market and you want professional, high quality photos - give my friend Scott Chytil a call at 425-417-0869 or check him out on the web at: http://www.chytilphoto.com/

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com

Monday's Market Update - Eastside Condos

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates
By: Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor

This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind:

•1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would like to know how things break down in a specific price range for an area, send me an email at tony@eastsidehomes.com

•2. These numbers are a result of the sales activity over the last 7 weeks when comparing the number of active listing vs. the number of pending sales to determine what the market absorption rate is for a particular area.

•3. When measuring the heat of the market, the following rules apply:

•a. 12 weeks or less = Seller's Market

•b. 12-24 weeks = Balanced Market

•c. 24 or more weeks = Buyer's Market

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 500 (Bellevue, South of I-90) = 31.5 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 510 (Mercer Island) = Incalculable weeks of inventory (average of 18 listings and no pending sales in last 7 weeks)

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 520 (Bellevue, West of 405) = 45.3 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 530 (Bellevue, East of 405) = 27.8 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 540 (East of Lake Sammamish) = 39.3 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 550 (Redmond/Carnation) = 34.4 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 560 (Kirkland/Bridle Trails) = 40.8 weeks of inventory

Condo Only, NWMLS Area 600 (Juanita/Woodinville) = 38.5 weeks of inventory

If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com

Best Date Spots in Seattle

Valentines Day will soon be upon us! Just 3 weeks away! If you are looking for that special spot to take your Valentine this year, check out one of Seattle's best date spots. Make sure you make your reservation early!

1. 94 Stewart Restaurant
94 Stewart St , Seattle , WA , 98101
Hidden on a Pike Place side street, this cozy gem serves bistro favorites made from fresh, local ingredients.

2. Mona's Bistro and Lounge
6421 Latona Ave NE , Seattle , WA , 98115
An internationally inspired tapas menu, live jazz and elegantly composed cocktails make this neighborhood favorite a lively spot for romance.

3. Cafe Darclee
100 Fourth Ave N Ste 165 , Seattle , WA , 98109
Treat someone to a sweet or savory crepe at this Euro-style cafe.

4. Serafina

2043 Eastlake Ave E , Seattle , WA , 98102-3509
Romantic, rustic and consistently charming, this Eastlake Italian grotto has rightfully earned its loyal following.

5. Shea's Lounge

94 Pike St. Suite 34 , Seattle , WA , 98101
The younger sister of romantic standby Chez Shea is a smaller bistro with its own charm.

6. Mamounia Moroccan Restaurant & Lounge

1530 Bellevue Ave , Seattle , WA , 98122
Leave Capitol Hill behind and become immersed in romantic wrappings and finger-licking Moroccan food.

7. Chez Shea

94 Pike St , Seattle , WA , 98101
One of Seattle's most romantic restaurants exudes intimate, elegant charm.

8. Daniel's Broiler

200 Lake Washington Blvd , Seattle , WA , 98122
Upscale steakhouse-turned-neighborhood night-out destination.

9. Wedgwood Broiler

8230 35th Ave NE , Seattle , WA , 98115
The diner that time forgot has been serving up square meals to neighborhood regulars since 1965.

10. Twisted Cork Wine Bar

900 Bellevue Way NE Ste 100 , Bellevue , WA , 98004
More than 70 by-the-glass selections and nine flights are the name of the game at this Bellevue wine bar.

11. Il Bistro

93 Pike St , Seattle , WA , 98101
This sexy dining grotto remains a top choice for Seattleites seeking excellent Italian flare.

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com

It's going to be a great 2008!

Meier_family

I have had a terrific time relaxing with the family and enjoying the holidays! The holidays are a great time to connect with friends and family, to consider all you have to be thankful for and to reflect upon the future ahead. As I do, I look forward to 2008 with great optimism. The real estate market in the Seattle area has changed from a hot sellers market to a more balanced market. As I begin my 20th year in real estate, I realize that I have been in several different markets throughout my career, but my favorite market place is on the horizon!

In a hot market the value of a professional becomes less clear to the consumer. Virtually any agent can sell their home when the market is hot, so sellers generally perceive little diferrence in agents. (Note: from 2003 to 2006, during some of the hotest times around here, I was able to sell my clients homes for an average of 3% greater than the average agent in King County)

The ease of entry into real estate has never been in the consumers best interest. Many people "play" real estate - working at it part time or "trying it out". The mear presence of real estate license does not qualify someone as an expert in the business. With 80% of the agents turning over every few years, the average consumer gets an agent with little, to no real experience to help them buy or sell their largest asset. Lacking negotiation skills (that can only be obtained in the trenches) and often needing the transaction more than their clients (because they are just getting started or are looking to make a buck on their way out), the inexperienced agent can costs the consumer thousands of dollar per transaction!

So why do I look forward to 2008 with great optimisim?? As the market cools, we enter on of my favorite times... a professionals market! A market where the skilled agent can assist their clients and help them profit from the changing times. A market where opportunities can be found and where expertise in the field rewards the clients and thereby rewards the expert agents.

This is why it is going to be a great 2008!

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com