About Walla Walla County, WA

This is an interesting website with statistics on the Washington Housing Market, State wide and by county. Put together by the Washington State Real Estate Reasearchcenter out of WSU. I pulled statistics for just Walla Walla County, but you can also search by any county in the state.

1. Home Resales are WCRER estimates based on MLS reports or deed recording (Real Market Data LLC)

2. SAAR means data presented at Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates allowing quarter-to-quarter comparison.

3. Building permits (total) are from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census

4. Median prices are WCRER estimates. Half the homes sold at higher prices, half lower

5. Affordability index measures the ability of a typical family to make payments on median price resale

home. It assumes 20% downpayment and 30-year amortizing mortgage. First-time buyer affordability

index assumes a less expensive home, lower down payment and lower income.

Housing Market Snapshot

SARR %CHG

(Land QTR) (1Year Ago) Median Resale %CHG 1Year Ago Affordability

1st QTR Walla Walla 770 -25.2% -33.0% $181,100 -4.7% 146.5

2nd QTR WALLA WALLA 870 13.0% -20.2% $175,000 -5.4% 154.0

In Walla Walla County (Walla Walla, College Place, Touchet, Lowden) inventories are way up. Although the changes from a year ago reflect some what of an increase in activity. The median house prices fell from $181,100- $175,000. We will probably continue to see declines in the median price range until some of the inventory is liquidated. The first time home buyer has been a major driving force to our current market.

Do you want the good news or the bad news? Nothing that starts this way ever ends very well does it? I always opt for the bad news first in hopes that the good news will make the bad news not seem so awful. The truth is, I am not sure the good news is much better than the bad news. So sit down while you read this because the truth hurts.

This economy has effected everyone. (And if you say it hasn't affected you, than you must live on mars) As an Real Estate agent my day is usually filled with a roller coaster of emotions. The happy and ecstatic clients that just bought their new home, the frustrated sellers who's house isn't selling, the angry buyer who lost financing and my least favorite the distraught homeowner that is looking at a bleak future that includes possibly loosing their home because of circumstances beyond their control. The worst part about this scenario is there are a multitude of vultures ready to kick them while they are down.

The biggest problem is those vultures are usually scammers ready to capitalize on your mis-fortune. It is really easy when you are looking at what lies ahead to not look at the whole picture. Companies out there can make promises that seem like an easy fix to your predicament, when in reality they are counting on the fact that all you heard was "I can save your home" and not the part about the downside to what they are offering. Most of the time the fine print is so small it looks like a smudge on the paper. That is why having a neutral party with-out financial interest in your situation would be a really helpful tool. Whether it is a family member or close friend, someone who is not emotionally invested will be able to help you make wise and clear decisions.

The good news is there are options for you. Although, these are tough life altering options, you do have options. Talk to your real estate professional about what options might work for you. Then take the time to weigh all your option and the affects that it will have in your life. Your real estate agent is the "neutral" person who will have the knowledge and tools to give it to you straight and be able to help you find reputable resources that wont end up scamming you. So remember, if it seems to good to be true....it probably is.

Read this article from the Fedral Trade Commissionwith good information on Real Estate and Foreclosure scams.

Well another month has come and gone. Here are the September 2009 statistics:

The summer months yielded slow growths and have began to decline slightly from a high in June/July of 2009. Winter months are typically slower that spring and summer months. Days on market averages are increasing steadily. Some lingering affects of layoffs and downsizing are evident.

Prices will continue to decline until some of the inventory is liquidated. When we start to see lower inventory levels, prices will begin to increase again.

Walla Walla Real Estate Agents are ready to assist you will all your home buying or selling needs. Preferred Properties Land and Homes is your one stop shop. The only office in Walla Walla that are members of both the Northwest Multiple Listing Service and the Walla Walla Multiple Listing Service. Also members of, The Luxury Real Estate Network and National Association of Realtors. Preferred's Walla Walla Real Estate Agents offer expertise and are dedicated to providing you with the service you deserve.

Buying or selling a home is one of the great milestones in life, and can be one of the most stressful. Our goal as Walla Walla Real Estate Agents is to make your experience enjoyable and trouble-free so you are left with positive memories. We believe that it is paramount to provide our clients the maximum amount of information, resources and marketing coverage to assist them in achieving their goals. There is nothing more rewarding than a satisfied client. This is why we have assembled a close knit team of skilled professional Walla Walla Real Estate Agents, to conquer any obstacle. We, as individuals, have always been very competitive and hard working. When you become our client, the Preferred Properties team will put our competitive spirit and drive to work for you, to accomplish your goals. Time and time again, clients continue to refer their family and friends to Preferred Properties because their real estate needs were met with service beyond their expectations. Hence, our motto: Providing the service you deserve!

Visit us online at: www.PreferredWW.com