The prices are right.  The rates are right, so why is it still slower than normal?  It isn't because there aren't people out there wanting to buy your house.  In fact, there are a lot of potential would be buyers out there - overwhelmingly drawn in to this market because in order to be smart, they know that you do have to buy low.

 

 

Seattle real estate is slower than normal - why?  The mortgage industry is what I am seeing as the only answer. Lending needed to tighten up.  That is a fact, but because of the great amount of bad loans out there, lenders have tightened up to the point that they are not lending to a lot of people even if they normally would be considered fabulous candidates.

 

In fact, many buyers who could buy just last month are finding that they waited too long and there is not a program for them anymore.  The lending environment changes every day and it is best to reevaluate whether or not you are pre approved on at least a weekly basis.  It is still possible to put at little as 3.5% down if you are short on cash, but other criteria must be met and you need a loan officer to give you the information.  I know a great lender if you need help.  Having the information is most of the battle!

 

If you want to get out there and check out Seattle houses, condos, or townhouses, or even look at some areas in the Seattle suburbs, please feel free to get a hold of me.  I am happy to help guide you through these tougher less straight forward times. You really need the right people in your corner and a clear road map of what happens next.

 

Buying right now is a good decision, but know how you are going to go about it.  Selling, by the way, right now is also not a bad idea despite what you might hear.  The inventory levels are so low right now and having your house as an option might push a fence sitting buyer over the edge.  Choices are best and right now there are not a lot.

 

Need Seattle real estate help?  Courtney@cooperjacobs.com