Thursday, August 30, 2007

Snohomish County Real Estate Update

If you’ve turned on the news or read a newspaper lately, you have certainly heard all of the buzz around the national housing market crisis. Some news media is even referring to it as “Mortgage Meltdown 2007.” In the wake of recent changes in interest rates and credit standards, Realty Trac (an online marketer of foreclosure properties) has announced that the recent influx of foreclosure filings showed now signs of easing as of July 2007.

Foreclosure filings in July 2007 showed a 9 percent rise over those filed in June 2006 and a startling 93 percent increase compared with July 2006.

Read the full article here, and please remember that an experienced Realtor is always your best resource if you think you may be facing foreclosure in the future. We can lay out your options for you and give you a realistic view of the current housing market.

To learn more about the latest in the housing market and Everett WA real estate, please visit my
website or call me today at 425-308-3669.

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Thursday, August 23, 2007

Reardon Signs Critical Environmental Protections Into Law

I was honored to represent the Snohomish County Camano Association of Realtors last Wednesday as Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon signed new regulations into law that will help protect the County’s environment (I am behind Executive Reardon with other members of the County staff and community stakeholders).
The adoption of Snohomish County’s Critical Areas Regulations represents over three years of dedicated work, compromise and commitment to improve protections for the most sensitive areas of the county’s environment.

Environmental protections improved in the updated critical areas regulations include:

• strengthening provisions regulating clearing;
• adding lakes, marine shorelines, state sensitive listed species and species of local importance to our list of protected areas;
• increased buffers;
• limitations on impervious surface and clearing adjacent to water bodies containing critical habitat;
• improved protection of habitat containing anadromous fish;
• provisions for habitat corridors to connect wetlands with high value for habitat to other critical areas.

To learn more about local events and Snohomish County real estate, please visit my
website or call me at 425-308-3669.

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Thursday, August 16, 2007

King and Snohomish Counties Market Trends Report – August 2007

A forward-looking indicator based on pending home sales shows the market is likely to stabilize in the months ahead, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, based on contracts signed in June, was 5 percent higher from the downwardly revised May index of 97.5, but is 8.6 percent below June 2006 when it stood at 112. This 5 percent monthly gain is the largest in more than three years, since a 6.1 percent increase in March 2004.

Lawrence Yun, NAR senior economist, said it is encouraging that the increase occurred in all four major regions. “However, it is too early to say if home sales have already passed bottom,” he said.

Did this trend hold true in King and Snohomish Counties? Let’s take a look at July’s market statistics:

Active listings in King County increased in July 2007 by 4,357 homes or 34%compared to the same time period in 2006. Although there are more homes on the market, the number of homes being sold has decreased slightly, from 3,544 in July 2006 to 3,417 this July - a 4% decrease. The increase in inventory has also caused market time to increase 27%, from 36 days last July to 49 days this July.

King County continues to experience rising prices, with the average sales price 10% higher in 2007 than 2006, bringing the average sales price to $529,773.


Snohomish County experienced similar market activity to King County in July 2007. The number of active listings was up 36%, but closed sales decreased 17% in July 2007 compared to July 2006. Like in King County, the rise in inventory in Snohomish County caused the market times to increase from 42 days this time last year to 62 days this July - a 33% increase.

The average sales price increased 6% in July 2007 from July 2006, and year to date they have increased 10%.

The King and Snohomish Counties real estate market is always changing from month to month and neighborhood to neighborhood. Search the MLS here to see what's available in the area now and please call me at 425-308-3669 to inquire about any properties you would like to learn more about. I look forward to helping you!
Statistics compiled by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service and are deemed accurate but not warranted.

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Thursday, August 09, 2007

Snohomish County WA Interest Rate Update


The Real Estate Journal (a subsidiary of the Wall Street Journal Online), reported this week that tightening standards in lending may worsen the housing slump being felt in much of the country.

In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the sub-prime lending market, more lenders in Washington are being forced to raise interest rates and stick with loans that are considered less risky than mortgages that were being offered previously. It is no longer those with the weakest credit records who are feeling the sting of the tightening standards when it comes to credit, documented income, and down payment ability.

Read the full article here to learn how this trend may affect you if you are in the market for a mortgage.

If you are in the market for a mortgage in Snohomish County WA, I am glad to refer you to a reputable, knowledgeable and competitive mortgage lender who will take the time to explain your loan options to you. This will allow you to make an educated decision about which home loan is best for you considering the current market conditions. Just give me a call at 425-308-3669 or visit my
website. I'm here to help.

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Thursday, August 02, 2007

Back To School In Snohomish County WA


The summer is flying by – as it always seems to do – and it is almost time to start thinking about sending kids back to school again!

Whether you are new to the Snohomish County area or already have kids in school here, now is the time to take a good look at how the schools are measuring up.

Below are links to information about the Everett and Marysville school districts – does YOUR child’s school make the grade?

Everett Public Schools
Marysville Public Schools

To learn more about moving your family to Snohomish County WA or Everett WA real estate, please call me at 425-308-3669 or visit
www.KarensVillas.com.

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