Brian Solinsky CDPE, CNE, ABR

The real estate market continues to show signs of improvement in the Tacoma and surrounding areas. With pending sales on the rise for the 6th straight month, and more sales since July of 2007, it appears things are changing.

It is important to note that the real estate market is always good for someone, whether buyers, sellers, or investors; someone always has an advantage.

Right now buyers have an advantage in negotiations, but the advantage buyers had just a few months ago is sliming down.

"We are seeing multiple offer situations again, especially on homes listed under $250,000" says Brian Solinsky, Keller Williams real estate specialist.

Buyers are on the verge of losing their advantage and sellers are able to be more firm with price and terms as the market shows signs of balancing.

With the termination of the first-time homebuyers tax credit set for Decemeber 1st, 2009, now is the time to buy.

Contact a real estate professional to take advantage of the current market before it's too late.

5. Unemployment rates went down in the month of July for the first time this year.

4. Sales in July were up to the highest levels since May of 07.

3. Prices are at the same levels as 2005.

2. Interest rates are near historic lows, hovering around the low 5% for a 30-year fixed.

1. First-time homebuyers get an $8,000 tax credit if closed on a house by Dec. 1^st, 2009.

Inventory is being snatched up much more quickly. The good deals have offers on them right away. I have had two listings with full-price offers on them within 24 hours of putting it on the market.

I would just hate to have you miss out on the best market to buy. Already I would say March 09 was the best time to buy and we are on the up-curve now. Could we have another slight drop in the near future? Possibly around Dec - Feb, but probably not much and the $8,000 tax credit will be gone by then, unless the government reinstates it.

All indications show we are in recovery for the lower end real estate market in our area.

Now is the time!

It seems everyone is talking about the ‘state of the economy' these days. Much of what has happened in the past year is a direct result of the real estate and banking industry, along with the Federal Government's attempts at "bail-out".

No wonder so many people are confused and struggling in today's economy.

Yet, there is hope! The South Sound Real Estate market is showing signs of improvement with pending sales up to the highest levels since May 2007.

Building starts are up 11%, showing that builders are able to get funds to build, and the confidence to do so is returning.

Sellers are able to negotiate with a bit more confidence and some are even receiving multiple offers. Though sellers are still competing with bank-owned homes and short sales, so pricing is very important on the road to selling.

The absorption rate, which measures what type of market it is, has slowly been creeping to equal. Six months of inventory is considered an equal market. In Dec. ‘08 the absorption rate was at 12 months of inventory, now it is at 8 months, still a buyer's market, but showing signs of improvement.

With only a couple months left for first - time homebuyers to take advantage of an $8,000 tax credit from the Federal Government, we should see more homes sold in the coming months.

Spring is here and so is the real estate activity in Puyallup. After a dismal 2008 and a rough start to 2009, it seems that buyers are beginning to come out and actually purchase homes in Puyallup. Granted a majority of the sold homes in the past month are bank owned or short sales, the increase in activity is a welcome sight.

The biggest indicator of the increase in real estate activity is the number of pending sales in Puyallup, 143 as of this posting for the past 30 days. Compare that to 68 pendings in March of 2009 and 86 pendings in April 2008.

Now the question is how many of those will turn into SOLD properties. The ratio of pendings to solds has dropped in the past year, due to a number of factors, mainly financing difficulties. As underwriters of the loans continue to enforce strict guidelines, conditions imposed make it more challenging to close on a transaction. Appraisers are also under much scrutiny, so they are being more cautious with value estimates.

Overall, the indication is that we are either in the late stages of the down curve or the early stages of recovery. Either way, is appears we are near the bottom and it is a good time for qualified buyers to catch a good deal with low interest rates in Puyallup.

Brian Solinsky

Real Estate Professional

"Bringing Home Your Dreams"

Brian Solinsky was born and raised in Washington State and received his Bachelor's degree in education from Gonzaga University and a Master's Degree in Technology at City University.

Brian served at Kalles JH as a junior high school teacher and coach for 13 years before becoming a real estate professional. Family life is very important to Brian, who lives in Puyallup with his wife and two kids: (pic) Taylor, Lissa, and Tanner

Using his education and coaching background, Brian excels in communication and educates his clients throughout the home -selling and home-buying process to empower clients to make educated decisions in regards to their investment.

As an agent, Brian has continued his education with endorsements as an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), and a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). He has been recognized as the "Rookie of the Year" in 2007, "Agent of the Month" by the Keller Williams Western Region and has also been awarded numerous monthly awards by his office for listings and sales. Brian currently leads The Solinsky Team at Keller Williams, a group of agents ready to serve the community with care and integrity every step of the way.

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