Tacoma Real Estate stats for sold condos in the Downtown and North Tacoma are showing some interesting trends.

With 38 units sold in the last 6 months in my market sample, the Tacoma condo market can still be described as soft, although I do see signs of improvement for prospective sellers.

Median Tacoma Condo units that have sold are as follows:

2 bedrooms

1.5 baths

900 sq ft

Selling price of $237,000

84 Days on Market

With a median price of $237,000, plus incentives such as the 10 year Tax Abatement, $7,500. first time buyer tax credit, and Tacoma's down payment assistance program. It's truly a great time to be a buyer! But there is one figure that points to hope for the seller as well.

The median % of list price to sales price is 96.7%

This is a rather telling statistic for Tacoma real estate market as a whole. It shows not only that buyers are out making less than full price offers, but that sellers are accepting them. Over the past year I've seen a much wider gap between what a buyer and seller were valuing property at. The resulting value gap kept homes and condos on the market and buyers on the fence waiting for a deal.

We now see that many buyers are tired of waiting and are making offers on downtown and North Tacoma condos. And Sellers are pricing their homes more realistically as a result

How does selling for 3.3% less than list price help a seller?

By selling a condo in the median price range of $237,000, the seller frees up their frozen equity and becomes a highly sought after buyer in the high $200's to low $300's. Well qualified buyers in this price range are golden right now!

Those "golden buyers" that choose to hire an experienced buyer's agent, should expect to more than make up for any shortfall in their sales price.

3.3% of $244,925 = $237,000 or a discount of $7,925. 3.3% of $300,000 = $290,100 or a discount of $9,900

If you have Tacoma Real Estate to sell, it's important to look at both transactions. Your sales price is very important, but don't lose site of the potential for profit on your purchase.

If you would like more information on the Tacoma Real Estate market, please visit our website @ www.brettsellshouses.com

What a shame to see one of my favorite destinations as a child reduced to this level.

It doesn't seem like it was all that long ago that "mystery pic" was a happy place for children to visit here in Tacoma. At one time this entrance led to a walking trail that transported the young visitors into some of childhood's best loved stories.

Now due to age, neglect and vandalism, Humpty Dumpty, Jack Sprat, his wife, and a host of other children storytime favorites no longer live here.

If you are a local, I've already given you far too many hints and I'm sure you've guessed it by now. But just for fun, let's leave this out there for folks not familiar Tacoma to guess.

If you get it right, I'll give you a gold star! :-)

Interested in moving to Tacoma Wa? Search for all listed homes and condos on our Tacoma Real Estate Website.

Working in the Tacoma Real Estate market has some excellent advantages! I took a little time out the other day to cruise around 5 mile drive in Pt Defiance and see if I could spot the gray whale that's been hanging around lately. I got the call from my brother that he had spotted one while on the ferry to Vashon Island over a month ago. Apparently the living is good for the whale as he/she was still in the area.

I stopped on the bluff overlooking Pt Defiance looking out towards Dalco Point, and sure enough he made an appearance. Unfortunately the whale was on the Vashon side of the water and was nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. Another whale watcher was there with a 2 foot telephoto lens on his camera and seemed very excited at the shots he was getting.

He was clicking away when I shot this pic with my little digital camera.

Now if you can spot the whale in this pic, you most likely have feathers, talons and sleep in a nest. But it was fun to take some time out of the day and enjoy what Tacoma has to offer.

The Tousley Group provides real estate guide service to home buyers and sellers of Tacoma real estate. Give us a call if we can help! 253-820-2745

Looking for a great place to spend the day that won't break your budget? Pack up a picnic lunch and head to the Pt Defiance Zoo and Aquarium!

Located just minutes from Tacoma, Pt Defiance offers a world class zoo, and aquarium, beach access, 5 mile drive and fine dining on the water.

Inside you'll find Elephants, Tigers, Polar Bears, Reindeer and a large interactive exhibit for the little ones complete with a petting zoo. We really enjoyed the Walrus and Beluga whale exhibit! You can get a great underwater view of these massive sea going mammals from the downstairs observation point.

The Aquarium was a favorite of my 3 year old son, he enjoyed viewing the sharks, flounder/sole and cod in their enormous two story tank. Another hot spot is the marine touch tank area where young and old alike can touch and feel sea anenomes, sea cucumbers, starfish and hermit crabs.

The sea horse exhibit was the highlight for my girls, and the clown fish (Nemo) was a hit as well.

It's an all day adventure for under $50.00 that provides not only entertainment but a lot of education about the animals and their habitat as well.