Housing Market – Rarden Team Real Estate

February 2022 – Real Estate Round-Up

It’s been a hard February for buyers, and we’re not just talking about the weather! They’ve been dealing with limited inventory, rising interest rates, and fierce competition for the best homes. It is not a market for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. But there is hope on the horizon.

January 2022 – Real Estate Round-Up

Is winter over yet? The snow and short daylight hours make the season stretch out longer. At least, it can feel that way. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the market, and have to report that January was a lean month. This is good news for sellers, because it means listing your house now will get lots of buyer attention. It’s distressing for buyers, because they may have to compete to win the home they want or compromise on the amenities. Those sellers who are also buying are caught squarely in the middle.

Upper Kittitas County – July 2021 Real Estate Market Round-Up

Ready for September yet? Us, neither! (Although if you said “yes,” cheers for being on-top of things!) We’re enjoying the last long weeks of summer, and analyzing what happened last month in our market.

We witnessed some amazing transactions, both in person and from the sidelines. Many homes are still receiving multiple listings, and 79% of homes that closed last month accepted an offer for full list price or more! In fact, three homes received over $100,000 above their list price!

Kittitas County Real Estate Market Update – April 2021

Have you been searching for a second home property in Kittitas County? Looking for a piece of land or even looking for an upgraded primary residence? If so, you probably know how tough it is for buyers right now in our limited-supply market in Upper Kittitas County. That is why you need the Rarden Team at your side! We are strategists when it comes to buying in this super-competitive market and hope to put our skills to work for you.

Kittitas County Real Estate Market Update– March 2021

It has been great to get out and about in Kittitas County this spring! The birds are singing, the arrowroots are in bloom, and our horses are LOVING being on the trails.

Our real estate market is already red-hot and it is still April! Although the market has been warmer than usual for the last several years, in March when the pandemic hit, it went crazy with many homes selling in record days on market and for record prices.

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers!

Why the Housing Market Will Remain Strong Despite Social Distancing

A lot has changed in our world over the past couple of months and we are facing an unprecedented situation unlike anything the world has ever seen. Everyday life has changed tremendously for nearly everyone in the world and naturally, people are examining the short-term and long-term implications of these changes.

Despite the major impact on our global economy, the real estate market in the United States is showing promising signs that it will weather this storm

Despite the major impact on our global economy, the real estate market in the United States is showing promising signs that it will weather this storm.

Business is Being Conducted Virtually

The real estate industry is responding to the coronavirus crisis just like the rest of the world — it is adapting. We are seeing many new ways to conduct business while maintaining social distancing. Title companies are performing drive-through closings that allow both buyers and sellers to sign required documents without going into the office. Mortgage lenders are relying on their already-established virtual capabilities for accepting applications and receiving documentation.

Realtors are finding creative ways of showing properties without having buyers physically present by relying on “virtual tours” and utilizing tools like Facebook Live to conduct open houses. Sellers are opting for “touch free” showings by leaving cabinets and closet doors open.

Buyers Eager to Purchase

Despite the current coronavirus outbreak, buyers are still showing many signs of urgency within the market. Mortgage rates still hover around all-time lows, and those in favorable economic conditions want to buy a home now to take advantage of these rates.

The number of video tour requests for showings has been steadily rising. A recent poll conducted by RedFin showed that many buyers are opting to make an offer on a property sight unseen. They are making offers after seeing properties through virtual tours. Last week 12% of offers made were by customers who had toured the home only by video, up from 6% last week and nearly 0% at the beginning of March.

Pent-Up Housing Demand

Historically, spring has been the hottest season for real estate. Currently, the number of listings on the market has decreased from last year. However, it is promising that once the social distancing has finished, there will still be a great number of homeowners that need to sell, and buyers who want to move forward.

Before social distancing was implemented, the real estate market throughout much of the country was experiencing low inventory. In many areas new construction builds were not considered essential services, therefore drastically decreasing the number of new builds available for purchase. This will create an even greater shortage of inventory and retain value for the existing homes being listed for sale.

Ultimately, the majority of Americans still feel like it is a good time to buy or sell a property. Although it feels like the world has come to a halt, there are still houses being listed, buyers looking to purchase and real estate professionals ready to help.