Sellers had a 9.8% chance of selling a home in Kirkland in January, 2007.

(See the above chart to follow the real estate trends for the last few years.  The chart shows trends for Kirkland, south of NE 116th St)

January, 2008       385 homes for sale,   38 sales,        9.8% chance of selling.

December 2007    332 homes for sale,    34 sales,      10.2% chance of selling.

January, 2007      278 homes for sale,    48 sales,       17 % chance of selling. 

 It is a tougher market out there, so what I said in last month’s update holds very true:

For 2008:

• Sellers must have the best home out there for the money.
• Sellers must have the best marketing program to showcase their home. 
• Sellers must be realistic and flexible with pricing.
• Interest rates are fabulous.
• Competition among buyers for homes will be less.
• Pricing will be negotiable.
•  It will be slower this year, but buyers will buy and homes will sell. 
• The home that captures the buyer through great pricing and marketing will get the sale.