The 2019 Real Estate is off to a great start. Savvy, well educated buyers are taking advantage of the recent slow down and are coming out looking to buy. Reports of softer prices, more choices and less competition have prompted those buyers to get off the sidelines and get in the game. Sellers, on the other hand, are re-evaluating their price expectations and are more receptive to accepting competitive offers.

In King County we start the year with 1.9 months inventory as opposed to 0.6 months in January 2018. Both buyers and sellers should expect more inventory to come to market as the spring selling season heats up. My gut tells me we will have an early rush of inventory as sellers come in strong. April and May are typically high volume months for new listings with closed sales peaking in June. This year I see this flood starting in early March.

My advice for both buyers and sellers stays unchanged: Buyers – Be prepared with your financing in place and be ready to act quick when you find the “right one”. Sellers – Price realistically, fix anything that might cost you during inspection & de-clutter / spruce up your home. Sellers should also consider staging if selling a home empty.

Let me know if I can be of assistance – Kurt