Debra Sinick

Archive for 2012|Yearly archive page

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Kirkland Real Estate is Still Hopping!

In buyers, Kirkland WA, Kirkland, WA Real Estate, market statistics, Real estate, sellers on May 15, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Kirkland WA Real Estate

Kirkland Real Estate Sales Through April, 2012

The Kirkland real estate market is still moving along well as 36% of the listed homes sold in April.   In March, 60% of the homes sold, so it may seem as if the Kirkland market was off in April.    A sales record of 60% is phenomenal, but  36% is still an excellent return and is more typical of what is considered a stellar sales month.  It will be interesting to see if any other month is able to match March’s amazing sales record.

Homes are selling fast!  When I check our daily statistics, I see a lot of the newer listings selling in under a week.   Buyers jump on these homes if they’ve been out looking at homes for awhile.  They’ve been educated and know a good home when they see it.   Multiple offers are fairly common, if a home is priced well and shows well.  We sold several of our listings in a matter of days with multiple offers.   It reminds me of the boom years!  The difference now is that home prices are at a more affordable price point.

The lack of supply, the homes for sale, continues.  So far this year, there are fewer homes on the market each month, which is highly unusual for this time of year.  We may see more homes on the market as the school year comes to an end.  Sellers are also feeling more comfortable in this positive market, so more homes could come up for sale, increasing the inventory.  We still suspect inventory to remain on the lower side this year.

In Kirkland, 36% of the homes sold in April.  It took on average 72 days for a home to sell and homes sold within 95% of the original asking price.  Last month the average number of days to sell a home stood at just over 3 months, so the time it takes to sell a home is dropping.  Median pricing was down from April, 2011.  This year the median price for the homes sold in April was $430,000.  Last year, the median price of the April sales was $550,000.  Remember, the median price reflects only what sold during the month of April.  It is important to look at a 6 month trend to determine where prices truly are at.

If you’d like to find out more about the Kirkland real estate market, don’t hesitate to call or email us.  Have a great month and let’s hope the sun keeps shining.  It’s terrific out there!

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The Cross Kirkland Trail is Here!

In Kirkland WA, rails to trails on April 19, 2012 at 4:31 pm

The Cross Kirkland Trail is here! Kudos to the City Council and Kurt Triplett for having the vision and foresight to save the corridor for a trail for Kirkland and all of the eastside.  As many of you know, last Friday, April 13th, the 5.75 miles inside Kirkland city limits became the property of Kirkland.  It’s an exciting time as barriers have gone up where the trail crosses roads, safety features are incorporated in the overpasses and the rail crossing markers are gone.

Posts about the acquisition of the line this past week.

Walking Along the BNSF corridor in Kirkland

Walking On The Cross Kirkland Trail

But this is a project near and dear to me, something I’ve been advocating over the last 5 years.  I began writing about the corridor and the trail vs. rail issue in 2007.  I’ve written close to 40 posts on the subject, from the last hurrah for the dinner train, the Port of Seattle’s involvement, the first opportunity to walk on the trail, and the City Council voting to purchase the corridor.

A special thanks to the Eastside Trail Advocates, a local group who worked hard to see this vision happen in Kirkland by sponsoring the first walk on the the proposed trail, speaking at City Council and neighborhood meetings, and holding open houses to demonstrate the value of a trail for the city.

See you on the trail!

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A Fabulous Real Estate Market in Kirkland, WA

In buyers, Kirkland WA, Kirkland, WA Real Estate, market statistics, Real estate, sellers on April 19, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Real Estate in Kirkland, WA

Kirkland Real Estate Sales Through March 2012

The terrific real estate market in Kirkland continued into March.  Almost 60% of all the homes for sale got offers and sold. 

Why is the Kirkland real estate market so hot?  Well, for one thing, if you look at the graph above, it’s easy to see that there aren’t many homes for sale right now. Through most of the summer months in 2011,  the number of homes for sale was double what we have in Kirkland now.  This increased competition among home sellers.  Secondly, buyers are far more positive than they’ve been for years.  Buyers feel good about making an offer for a home now.  Finally, interest rates have crept up slightly, which can also spur buyers to literally make the move.

In Kirkland, 57% of the homes sold in March.  It took on average 94 days for a home to sell and homes sold within 94% of the original asking price.  Median pricing was down from March, 2011.  This year the median price for the homes that sold was $469,000.

I can truly say this is the best to sell a home that we’ve seen in the Seattle and Kirkland area since early 2007.   Sellers do need to remember, though, selling a home in today’s real estate market still requires competitive pricing and a home that shows well.

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Kirkland Real Estate Was Booming in February, 2012

In buyers, Kirkland WA, Kirkland, WA Real Estate, market statistics, Real estate on March 23, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Real Estate Sales in Kirkland WA

Kirkland Real Estate Sales Through Feb, 2012

Wow, this is the most exciting real estate market Kirkland has experienced in 5 years!  Almost half of all the homes for sale in February got offers and sold!  That’s an incredible statistics, for any real estate market.

Why is the Kirkland real estate market so hot?  Well, for one thing, if you look at the graph above, it’s easy to see that there aren’t many homes for sale right now. Through most of the summer months in 2011,  the number of homes for sale was double what we have in Kirkland now.  This increased competition among home sellers.  Secondly, buyers are far more positive than they’ve been for years.  Buyers feel good about making an offer for a home now.  Finally, interest rates have crept up slightly, which can also spur buyers to literally make the move.

In Kirkland, 48% of the homes sold in February, compared to only 19% in 2011.  It took on average 98 days for a home to sell and homes sold within 95% of the original asking price.  Median pricing is down from February, 2011.  This year the median price for the homes that sold was $442,000.

I can truly say this is the best to sell a home that we’ve seen in the Seattle and Kirkland area since early 2007.   Sellers do need to remember, though, selling a home in today’s real estate market it must be at today’s pricing.

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Free Electronic Recycling and More in Kirkland At Windermere

In Kirkland WA, recycling on February 20, 2012 at 9:50 am
Opportunity for Free Recycling in Kirkland

Free Recycling Event at Windermere Yarrow Bay

Here’s your chance to get a jump on Spring cleaning!  Clean out all that stuff that’s hard to dispose of properly.  You know all that stuff  you never use that’s cluttering up your garage.  Bikes, appliances, electronics and more are being picked up and recycled next Saturday, the 25th at Windermere’s Yarrow Bay office in Kirkland.  Come on down!

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How Was Kirkland, WA Real Estate in January, 2012?

In buyers, Kirkland WA, Kirkland, WA Real Estate, market statistics, sellers on February 17, 2012 at 11:06 am
Home Sales in Kirkland, WA

Kirkland Real Estate Sales Through January, 2012

There were only 155 homes for sale in Kirkland in January.  It’s easy to see from the chart that this number means there aren’t a lot of homes for sale in Kirkland right now.  The lack of supply should enhance the prospects for those sellers whose homes are priced right and show well.  The good homes should sell more quickly this year.

In January, 26.5% of the supply of homes sold, which is similar to the high percentage of sales in the April and May of last year.  Not as many homes actually sold in January, but not as many homes were on the market either. 

Median pricing in Kirkland went from $534,000 to $522,000.  Median pricing is based on the sales that happened in January and is a result of what sold that particular month.   On average, it took only 62 days for the homes to sell last month and most homes sold within   % of the original asking price.

We’re excited to see how this real estate market will turn out this year.  It should be the best Kirkland real estate market in 5 years, but don’t expect prices to go up by much, if anything.

If you would like information about your home, please contact Brooks or me and we’re happy to help you.

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How Was Kirkland’s Real Estate Market in December, 2011?

In buyers, Kirkland WA, Kirkland, WA Real Estate, market statistics, sellers on January 24, 2012 at 9:36 pm
Kirkland Real Estate

Kirkland Real Estate Sales Through Dec, 2011

In December, 2011, there were very few homes for sale in Kirkland.  Ninety fewer homes were for sale than in  December, 2010.  Looking at October, 2010, when 356 homes were for sale, will give you an idea of how dramatically the decline has been in the number of homes for sale.

I thought the percentage of sales, the absorption rate, would be higher this month than it is because there were so few homes on the market.  Apparently, buyers decided to focus on the holidays rather than buying a home in Kirkland in December.  Only 19% of the supply of homes sold, whereas 31% sold in November.

Median pricing in Kirkland went from $498,000 to $510,000.  Median pricing is based on the sales that happened in December and is a result of what sold that particular month.  It does not mean prices were up for the year.  Median pricing in Kirkland was down to the mid $400,000′s for the year.

Looking back at 2011 in Kirkland real estate:

  • The fewest home sales ( pending):  32 in December.
  • The most number of homes sales (pending):  79 in April.
  • The fewest number of homes for sale:  167 in December
  • The most number of homes for sale:  289 in June and July
  • The best absorption rate (supply to sales):  28% of the homes sold in April and November
  • The lowest absorption rate:  16% in January

The above chart follows a typical pattern with more homes coming on the market in the summer. Almost every year,  more homes are for sale in the summer than at the beginning or end of the year.  That being said, if you plan to sell your home, consider putting it on the market before the middle of the summer.  Your home will have far less competition.

If you would like information about your home, please contact Brooks or me and we’re happy to help you.

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