LOCAL MARKET UPDATE

A strong economy continues to drive the real estate market. Nationally, consumer confidence was up by three points in June to the highest reading since January of 2008. The local economy is faring even better. Employment here is strong and people continue to flow into the state attracted by well-paying jobs. In fact, Forbes recently named Washington the best state in the country to make a living. Here’s a look at

  • It appears that the hot seller’s market has convinced some people to put their home up for sale. Inventory increased in June, with the number of homes for sale in King County up 6 percent over last year. Despite the increase, inventory is still quite low. There was less than a two-month supply of homes available in June. Four to six months is considered to be a balanced market.
  • Homes sales were up for the first time in many months. The number of homes sold in King County in June rose 2 percent over the previous year.
  • High demand and low supply continue to drive up home values. The median home price in King County has climbed steadily all year. In June, the median price was $453,500, an increase of 6 percent from a year ago. (The median price in May was $442,250.) Home prices on the Eastside rose 6 percent from a year ago to $630,000. Seattle saw the median home price hit $499,000, up 9 percent from a year ago.
  • While home prices have increased, owning a home here is still more affordable that many other west coast cities. According to housing data company RealtyTrac, someone earning the median income in King County would need to spend 31 percent of their salary to make the monthly mortgage payments – including property taxes and insurance – on a median-priced home here. In San Diego, you’d pay 41 percent of your income on your mortgage, and in San Francisco…a whopping 70 percent.

    If you’d like information on your specific neighborhood, give me a call and I’ll be happy to send you a report.

EASTSIDE EQUESTRIAN LIFE 

Make a Day of it at Fox Hollow Family Farm

Summer has begun and you might be looking for some fun ways to spend time with your family on these long sunny afternoons. I’ve got the perfect solution for you!

Stop by Fox Hollow Family Farm. In a great location in Issaquah, Fox Hollow Family Farm offers all sorts of wonderful activities for children and adults alike. Pet the new baby piglets, miniature horses or baby bunnies. Meet the newest baby goat just days old. Sign up for pony rides. Plan your next birthday party. Like to shop? Be sure to stop by Fox Hollow’s Country Market where you can buy organic produce, homemade pies, jams, jellies, birthday supplies, even antique housewares (my favorite)! Fox Hollow’s mission is to provide an opportunity where everyone can commune with nature while still providing a true farm experience. With its sweeping vistas and open lawns, Fox Hollow is a beautiful venue and definitely a “must do” on your summer “to do” list.

Click on www.foxhollowfamilyfarm.com for hours of operation, entry prices and to see all of the wonderful program activities Fox Hollow Family Farm has to offer.