Q1 2020 | The Gardner Report
A message from Matthew Gardner, Windermere Real Estate:
Needless to say, any discussion about the U.S. economy, state economy, or housing markets in the first quarter of this year is almost meaningless given events surrounding the COVID-19 virus.
Although you will see below data regarding housing activity in the region, many markets came close to halting transactions in March and many remain in some level of paralysis. As such, drawing conclusions from the data is almost a futile effort. I would say, though, it is my belief that the national and state housing markets were in good shape before the virus hit and will be in good shape again, once we come out on the other side. In a similar fashion, I anticipate the national and regional economies will start to thaw, and that many of the jobs lost will return with relative speed. Of course, all of these statements are wholly dependent on the country seeing a peak in new infections in the relatively near future. I stand by my contention that the housing market will survive the current economic crisis and it is likely we will resume a more normalized pattern of home sales in the second half of the year.
This speedometer reflects the state of the region’s real estate market using housing inventory, price gains, home sales, interest rates, and larger economic factors.
Given the current economic environment, I have decided to freeze the needle in place until we see a restart in the economy. Once we have resumed “normal” economic activity, there will be a period of adjustment with regard to housing. Therefore, it is appropriate to wait until later in the year to offer my opinions about any quantitative impact the pandemic will have on the housing market.
What's happening with the Western Washington economy and the housing market? Read Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner's fourth-quarter analysis.
Testimonial: What my clients are saying
“ Karen was fantastic! She spent a lot of time working with us long distance in the beginning and then when we moved to the area she showed us houses on three occasions, including December 23rd. She is a very professional lady and cares about being transparent with her clients. Months after the sale and amidst the chaos that is Covid-19, Karen checked on my wife while I was away at work and offered to go grocery shopping becuase my wife was six months pregnant. That says it all right there. Highly recommend that you use her! Karen, we will use you again if we sell this house! ”
Q4 | The Gardner Report
The housing market ended the year on a high note, with transactions and prices picking up steam. I believe the uncertainty of 2018 (when we saw significant inventory enter the market) has passed and home buyers are back in the market. Unfortunately, buyers’ desire for more inventory is not being met and I do not see any significant increase in listing activity on the horizon. As such, I have moved the needle more in favor of home sellers.
What's happening with the Western Washington economy and the housing market? Read Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner's fourth-quarter analysis.
Spring Cleaning: It's That Time of Year
It’s spring! Not really, but I’m ready! This winter I’ve been working on some housekeeping that I’ve been putting off, and, thanks to Oprah, I’ve gotten some really fun ideas!
For example. she suggests freshening your musty wardrobe with a vodka spritz. Or use it clean your jewelry. (oh come on, really?) Wondering how to deep clean your knife block? Or what the best day is to clean your windows? It’s a fun, quick read that got me all kinds of inspired. I’m about to go “Luften” or add a lift into the air of my house. Wish me luck!
The Gardner Report | Year End 2019
It’s that time of year when @Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner dusts off his crystal ball and peers into the future to give us his predictions for the 2020 economy and housing market. #RealEstateMarket
SOLD in FIVE DAYS: Sherman Hill Cape Cod
SOLD IN FIVE DAYS
Sherman Hill Cape Cod
Stately updated Cape Cod on Sherman hill with breathtakingly picturesque views of Liberty Bay and Poulsbo. The expansive living room features vaulted ceilings and a classic mantle that opens to the formal dining room with coved ceilings.
16783 Lemolo Shore Drive NE Poulsbo, Washington
3 Bedrooms
2.5 Bathrooms
3,352 sf
2-Car Garage
+ Shop & RV Parking
Pickleball Court
Sold at $585,000
Country-brick surrounds the kitchen's cooking center and creates a warm and inviting space for the budding chef. 3 pantries, granite countertops greenhouse windows in front of the sink for growing indoor herbs. The den/family room offers a country-brick-inset woodstove, and opens to the office. The upstairs offers a balcony/bridge over the living room and bonus room. French doors open to the master bedroom with an updated luxury en-suite master bath.
The lower level daylight basement features a rec-room, 2 bedrooms and laundry room with bathroom. The oversized 2-car garage features a shop and RV parking. The outdoors is set to take in the views from multiple decks and is perfect for entertaining with a firepit and pickleball court.
Come home to Sherman Hill.
NEW TO MARKET: Bainbridge Island Condo, Offered at $390,000
Bainbridge Island Condo
Located in the heart of Winslow’s downtown this darling condo is all about location. Offering 2 bedrooms, 2.25 baths, an open concept kitchen, living and dining areas, an attached 1-car garage (with +1 extra parking space), adorable private patio, custom surround on the wood fireplace and a laundry room, this boutique condo is not to be missed.
Close to the Seattle ferry, local schools, library and downtown Bainbridge Island. If you’re thinking about downsizing or just starting out, and looking for the "island lifestyle" on Bainbridge you must check this condo out.
1053 N. Madison Avenue, #A3
Bainbridge Island, WA
2 Bedrooms
2.25 Bathrooms
1,240 sf
Built 1991
Offered at $390,000
NEW TO MARKET: Sherman Hill Cape Cod, Offered at $585,000
Sherman Hill Cape Cod
Stately updated Cape Cod on Sherman hill with breathtakingly picturesque views of Liberty Bay and Poulsbo. The expansive living room features vaulted ceilings and a classic mantle that opens to the formal dining room with coved ceilings.
Country-brick surrounds the kitchen's cooking center and creates a warm and inviting space for the budding chef. 3 pantries, granite countertops greenhouse windows in front of the sink for growing indoor herbs. The den/family room offers a country-brick-inset woodstove, and opens to the office. The upstairs offers a balcony/bridge over the living room and bonus room. French doors open to the master bedroom with an updated luxury en-suite master bath.
The lower level daylight basement features a rec-room, 2 bedrooms and laundry room with bathroom. The oversized 2-car garage features a shop and RV parking. The outdoors is set to take in the views from multiple decks and is perfect for entertaining with a firepit and pickleball court.
Come home to Sherman Hill.
3 Bedrooms
2.5 Bathrooms
3,352 sf
2-Car Garage
+ Shop & RV Parking
Pickleball Court
Offered at
$585,000
JUST LIST- Nope, Already SOLD: Shoreview Drive, Sold at $326,000
Shoreview Drive
My calendar is always packed during the week of a new listing; home auditing, staging, prep, photography, design, marketing and online advertising all come together to create a sunburst of intrigue. If it’s done just right - and the wind is in your favor - a house can, indeed, sell in JUST THREE DAYS!
Congratulations for the new homeowners and to my sellers who are preparing for their next adventure!
Curious if your house could sell that quickly? Give me a call at 206.200.4732; I’m happy to schedule a time for a complementary market analysis.
39015 Shoreview Drive NE
Hansville, washington
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2,044,sf
Built in 2000
