Dupont, WA

February 2012 Real Estate Market Update

The real estate market in DuPont, WA (in Pierce County) is holding steady.

In February 2012, there were six single family home sales with an average sales price of $307,250. Year-to-date, the average home sales price is $298,011.

In all of 2011, the average sales price was $285,349.

In all of 2010, the average sales price was $313,576.

With Pending Sales up, buyers believe we may have hit bottom. Pending Sales means there is an increase in activity. Buyers are making offers on homes and sellers are accepting those offers. Not every pending sale results in a closed sale but nonetheless, buyers are showing their confidence.

According to Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, consumers were more optimistic about the short-term outlook than they were a month ago.

“Consumers are considerable less pessimistic about current business and labor market conditions than they were in January. And despite further increases in gas prices, they are more optimistic about the short-term outlook for the economy, job prospects, and their financial situation.”

Nationally, the overall direction for the housing market is positive, according to analysts with the National Association of Realtors. Its latest figures show the past few months of contract activity are the highest in more than four years. The market isn’t as strong as it could be because of overly restrictive lending standards and contract cancellations due in part to appraised values coming in below a negotiated price. Locally, others believe that the only reason why we are not in a hot, thriving market is because of short sales and foreclosed properties, which represent about one-third of the transactions.

About Northwest Landing in Dupont, WA

Northwest Landing in Dupont, WA is located just minutes from Joint-Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) on the west side of Interstate 5.

Northwest Landing is still expanding and growing, and when fully built out, there will be approximately 12,000 homes. The residential section of Northwest Landing consists of single family homes, condos, townhomes as well as rental apartments and 55+ housing.

While Northwest Landing is a large community, the design of the neighborhood was carefully planned to create continuity and promote green living. With an extensive system of sidewalks, bike lanes and walking trails, Northwest Landing encourages leaving the car at home when visiting the city center with amenities such as shopping, restaurants, and other services.

Some of the design elements you’ll notice in Northwest Landing are:

• Streets are narrow to slow traffic and make pedestrian crossing easier.
• Many homes have front porches with garages in alleys so cars won’t hit pedestrians while backing out.
• Multifamily housing is designed to look like the single family homes, and blends in with the neighborhood.

(All data compiled from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Data is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.)

Interested in living in Northwest Landing? Call me today to find your next home. In the meantime, check out the current homes for sale.

Northwest Landing in DuPont, WA – January 2012 Market Update

January 2012 Real Estate Market Update

The good news about the real estate market in Northwest Landing in DuPont (in Pierce County) is the average home price has remained stronger than the rest of Pierce County. From the peak in 2008 to 2011, Northwest Landing home values saw an average decrease of 14% compared to Pierce County (during the same period), which saw average home prices drop 26%.

For the last year and half, the DuPont market has stabilized. This could be an indicator that this area has “hit bottom” as far as this is the lowest home prices will be and that a slight uptick in home prices are to come. This is a bold prediction however with several months of positive job growth, it boosts consumer confidence and potential buyers are becoming home owners.

Home Sales Growth from 2010 to 2011

There is a correlation between home prices and the number of sales. In looking at the top counties in Western Washington, Pierce County is #3 for the number of home sales. Pierce County saw a 17% increase in home sales from 2010 to 2011. But their home prices fell 32% from the peak of the market in August 2007.

What this means is sellers need to price their home right. There are buyers out there, but buyers will pass on a home if it is overpriced for the market.

About Northwest Landing in Dupont, WA

Northwest Landing in Dupont, WA is located just minutes from Joint-Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) on the west side of Interstate 5.

Northwest Landing is still expanding and growing, and when fully built out, there will be approximately 12,000 homes. The residential section of Northwest Landing consists of single family homes, condos, townhomes as well as rental apartments and 55+ housing.

While Northwest Landing is a large community, the design of the neighborhood was carefully planned to create continuity and promote green living. With an extensive system of sidewalks, bike lanes and walking trails, Northwest Landing encourages leaving the car at home when visiting the city center with amenities such as shopping, restaurants, and other services.

Some of the design elements you’ll notice in Northwest Landing are:

• Streets are narrow to slow traffic and make pedestrian crossing easier.
• Many homes have front porches with garages in alleys so cars won’t hit pedestrians while backing out.
• Multifamily housing is designed to look like the single family homes, and blends in with the neighborhood.

Learn about DuPont's explosive past!

2012 Real Estate Market Prediction for Northwest Landing?

Northwest Landing in DuPont is still expanding with new construction of single family homes, townhomes and condos. Right now, new construction is a popular choice for home buyers. This neighborhood will continue to have a strong draw for buyers, especially military buyers, due to its excellent location to JBLM as well as it is a mid-point for commuters who need to get to Olympia or Tacoma.

My prediction is home values will see a slight increase for 2012 in this area. I don’t anticipate any future downsizing in the military ranks to affect JBLM nor the housing market in Northwest Landing.

(All data compiled from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Data is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.)

Interested in living in Northwest Landing? Call me today to find your next home. In the meantime, check out the current homes for sale.

The city of DuPont as we know it today is a thriving community, but did you know about its explosive history?

In 1906, DuPont was the location of the Powder Works Explosive factory where dynamite was produced up until 1976. Factory workers made this “Village” their home. The Village in DuPont is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains the only company town in Washington State with most of its 110 historic homes intact.

In 1994, Northwest Landing, a master planned community, was developed on 3,200 acres. There are 50 acres of parks. Trails, sidewalks and bike lanes make it enjoyable to get out and enjoy this particular beautiful sunny day. And you can leave the car at home as the city center of DuPont offers shopping, restaurants and other services within close proximity.

Many residents appreciate its location to Joint-Base Lewis McChord, and the proximity between Olympia and Tacoma as it offers an easy commute. If you are a golfer, you’ll enjoy two golf courses with views of the Olympic mountain range, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound.

If you’d like to make this dynamite town Dupont your home, call me today.

To read the 2011 year-end real estate market report, click here.

Visit www.DupontMuseum.com and www.ci.dupont.wa.us.

About Northwest Landing in Dupont, WA

Northwest Landing in Dupont, WA is located just minutes from Joint-Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) on the west side of Interstate 5.

Northwest Landing is still expanding and growing, and when fully built out, there will be approximately 12,000 homes. The residential section of Northwest Landing consists of single family homes, condos, townhomes as well as rental apartments and 55+ housing.

While Northwest Landing is a large community, the design of the neighborhood was carefully planned to create continuity and promote green living. With an extensive system of sidewalks, bike lanes and walking trails, Northwest Landing encourages leaving the car at home when visiting the city center with amenities such as shopping, restaurants, and other services.

Some of the design elements you’ll notice in Northwest Landing are:

• Streets are narrow to slow traffic and make pedestrian crossing easier.
• Many homes have front porches with garages in alleys so cars won’t hit pedestrians while backing out.
• Multifamily housing is designed to look like the single family homes, and blends in with the neighborhood.

Real Estate Update

The good news about the real estate market in Northwest Landing in Dupont is the average home price has remained stronger than the rest of Pierce County. From the peak in 2008 to 2011, Northwest Landing home values saw an average decrease of 14% compared to Pierce County (during the same period), which saw average home prices drop 26%.

This chart includes all home sales – single family homes, townhomes, and new construction.

2012 Real Estate Market Prediction for Northwest Landing?

Northwest Landing in Dupont is still expanding with new construction of single family homes, townhomes and condos. Right now, new construction is a popular choice for home buyers. This neighborhood will continue to have a strong draw for buyers, especially military buyers, due to its excellent location to JBLM as well as it is a mid-point for commuters who need to get to Olympia or Tacoma.

My prediction is home values will see a slight increase for 2012 in this area. I don’t anticipate any future downsizing in the military ranks to affect JBLM nor the housing market in Northwest Landing.

(All data compiled from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Data is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.)

Interested in living in Northwest Landing? Call me today to find your next home. In the meantime, check out the current homes for sale.

The last time I checked we still had a leash law here in DuPont Washington. So if we have a leash law, why do I find piles of dog pooh on the front lawns of so many of the fine homes we have for sale?

Something we must face, if we take our dogs for a walk, is they may relieve themselves along the way. I am always prepared when I walk my dog for what may happen. Why do you take your dog for a walk and let him do this to your neighbor.

Your poor neighbor is trying to sell his house and the first thing that "would be" buyer sees is your dog's calling card. What kind of first impression does this give your neighborhood and DuPont in general.

Someday, you're going to want top dollar for your house in DuPont's NW Landing and just think how you would feel if your front yard looked like this.

Please clean up after your pet!

This post was authored and picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA.