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Hi, I’m Doron Weisbarth with Weisbarth & Associates, and welcome to my November 2024 Market Update! Today, we’re tackling a question I’ve been hearing a lot lately: Did the election affect buyer activity? Let’s dive in. October was an odd month—there’s no other way to put it. At the end of September and the beginning of October, we saw a flurry of market activity. Homes were being listed, going pending, and closing at a pace that lined up with the seasonal trends we’ve seen in years past around the start of the fourth quarter. In fact, when we look at the numbers, October ended with more closed sales than the previous month, which is pretty typical for this time of year. But then something strange happened. During the second half of October, the market seemed to screech to a halt. Buyers, who were so active just weeks earlier, suddenly disappeared. And this wasn’t just a local phenomenon—it was happening in many parts of the country. There wasn’t any major economic or employment shift that could explain it. The only explanation that seems to fit is the anxiety and uncertainty people felt around the election. As the saying goes, a confused mind does nothing. When people feel uncertain, they tend to freeze. They wait for clarity before moving forward, and that’s exactly what seemed to be happening in the market. By the way, if you want to look at this data and read my report at your pace and leisure, you’ll find all this information in my November newsletter, available online and for download, for free, at Weisbarth.com/Newsletter , that’s Weisbarth.com/Newsletter . Now, it didn’t help that mortgage interest rates that had been dropping for most of August and September, reversed course in late September and started climbing again, settling around the 7%. But we had this level of interest rate this year, and the market activity didn’t seem to be affected. So, as I said, while I’m sure that the higher rates didn’t help, it’s hard to put all the blame on them.  Now here’s the good news: whether you liked or disliked the outcome, the election is now behind us. One major source of uncertainty has been resolved, and that should help restore some confidence to buyers who were sitting on the sidelines. In addition, the fed dropped it’s prime rate by a quarter point, which, eventually will help bring mortgage interest rates down a bit.  By the time this update reaches you, I hope we’ll see normal buyer activity for this season resuming. If your home is on the market but hasn’t been getting much attention, or if you’ve been holding back on buying or selling because of election uncertainty, the market will soon give us clearer signals about how we’ll end this unusual year. So, if you or someone you know is still considering selling a home this year, you still have time, but you need to act soon! If you’re not sure whether you should sell this year still, or wait for next year, we can analyze your options to help you make a clear decision that is best for you. My team and I famously offer a no-obligation consultation to help you put together a strategic plan on how to accomplish your real estate goals. Referring someone to us is easy—you can send them our way through our website, this newsletter, an email, or even better, just give me a call and let’s talk directly.  And remember that you business and referrals help the kids and families at Akin. Thanks to everyone who participated in their big gala fundraising even last month, where Weisbarth & Associates was the key sponsor – it was truly magical!  Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more updates. And if you’d like to read my newsletter or share it with a friend, you can find it at Weisbarth.com/newsletter , that’s Weisbarth.com/newsletter . I’m Doron Weisbarth with Weisbarth & Associates, and I’ll see you next month!

Hi, I’m Doron Weisbarth with Weisbarth & Associates, and welcome to my October 2024 Market Update! Today, we’re talking about something a lot of people don’t expect—the annual fall market bump. Now, we all know that spring and summer are often seen as the busiest times for real estate. But here’s the thing—are they really? Historically, yes, we see a lot of activity during spring and early summer. But as we get into mid- and late summer, things tend to slow down. People are focused on vacations and sunshine, getting back to school, and just generally enjoying the season. But once everyone settles into their routines, something interesting happens. We often see the market bounce back. This fall market bump can start as early as mid-September, last through November, and sometimes even carry into mid-December. And this year? Well, it looks like we’re following that same pattern. If you take a look at the graph I’ve highlighted, you’ll see that in September, new listings and pending sales were both way up compared to August. In fact, pending sales are right on par with what we saw in May and June of this year, which were the highest months for activity this year. Most of these new listings came onto the market in the second half of September, and you’ll see that there was a corresponding increase in pending sales—so yes, buyers are engaged. Most of these sales will likely close in October, which means we’re still seeing strong activity. By the way, if you want to look at this data and read my report at your pace and leisure, you’ll find all this information in my October newsletter, available online and for download, for free, at Weisbarth.com/Newsletter , that’s Weisbarth.com/Newsletter . A big reason for activity is in the drop in mortgage interest rates. With rates having fallen more than a full point from their peak earlier this year, buyers are back in the game, and prices are holding steady. Now, we can’t say for sure if October will be the peak of this activity or if it will come later in the year, but if history is any guide, we should have a strong finish to 2024. So, if you or someone you know is still considering selling a home this year, now is the time to jump in and take advantage of the market’s fall surge. If you need some guidance or fine-tuning to make sure you maximize your results, let’s talk. My team and I offer a no-obligation consultation to anyone looking to buy or sell. We’ll help you put together a plan that’s tailored to your needs. And as always, your business and referrals help support the Akin community, so you’re not just making a smart financial move—you’re also doing a good deed. Yay for that! For anyone needing help with their real estate goals, the best way to reach me is by phone. Just give me a call directly at 206-779-9808, that’s 206-779-9808. Yes, that’s my personal mobile number, and it’s the best way to connect with me. If you’re referring someone, just have them call me directly—no need for a formal introduction. Thanks again for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more updates, and be sure to check out my monthly newsletter at Weisbarth.com/newsletter , that’s Weisbarth.com/newsletter . I’m Doron Weisbarth with Weisbarth & Associates, and I’ll see you next time!

Seattle is known for its distinct and diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique culture, amenities, and, of course, housing market. For anyone considering a move to the city, understanding the average home prices across different areas is crucial. Here’s a snapshot of some of Seattle's top neighborhoods and their average home prices in 2024. Queen Anne One of Seattle’s most iconic neighborhoods, Queen Anne offers breathtaking views of downtown and the Puget Sound. Homes here are known for their classic architecture and charm. The average home price in Queen Anne is around $1.3 million . While properties on the hill’s top can command even higher prices, lower Queen Anne offers more accessible options with median prices closer to $900,000 . Capitol Hill Capitol Hill is a vibrant, bustling neighborhood, popular for its nightlife, culture, and proximity to downtown. Known for its eclectic mix of historic homes, condos, and modern apartments, the average home price here is $950,000 . Luxury condos and vintage homes in this neighborhood often reach $1.5 million or more, especially those with modern updates and proximity to parks. Ballard Once a sleepy Scandinavian fishing town, Ballard has transformed into one of Seattle’s most desirable areas. Its trendy restaurants, breweries, and coastal charm have driven housing demand. Expect to pay about $900,000  on average for homes in Ballard, with newer townhomes slightly less, but many single-family homes exceeding $1 million  in prime locations. West Seattle West Seattle is known for its relaxed, residential vibe and stunning waterfront views. Housing here ranges from older bungalows to newer, modern developments. The average home price in West Seattle is approximately $800,000 , though prices vary widely depending on the proximity to the waterfront. Waterfront properties can fetch well over $1.2 million . Fremont Fremont is known for its quirky, artsy community and offers a mix of modern and historic homes. Home prices in Fremont have seen steady increases, with the current average price at around $1 million . The neighborhood’s proximity to tech hubs and its artistic charm keep it in high demand, with many homes receiving multiple offers and selling above list price. Magnolia Magnolia offers suburban tranquility with easy access to downtown Seattle. The large homes and spacious lots attract families looking for more space. The average home price here is about $1.2 million , with many properties featuring sweeping views of the Puget Sound and surrounding mountains. Magnolia’s serene environment comes with a premium price tag, especially for waterfront and view homes. Green Lake Green Lake is perfect for those seeking outdoor activities, thanks to its proximity to the lake and park. It’s a popular neighborhood for families and young professionals. Homes near the lake can fetch upwards of $1.1 million , but further from the waterfront, the average home price is closer to $800,000 . Beacon Hill For a more affordable option that still offers great views and access to downtown, Beacon Hill is a top contender. The average home price is around $750,000 , making it one of the more budget-friendly neighborhoods in Seattle. The area is undergoing rapid growth, which could mean rising home values in the coming years. Wallingford Wallingford is a neighborhood known for its walkability and access to parks. Homes here are a mix of Craftsman-style houses and modern developments. The average price for a single-family home in Wallingford is $1 million , though smaller homes and condos offer lower entry points starting around $600,000 . South Lake Union South Lake Union is the heart of Seattle’s tech industry, with companies like Amazon headquartered here. Housing options are primarily condos, with an average price of $900,000 . Many high-end developments in this area offer luxury living close to work, but the area also has mid-range options for younger professionals. Seattle's housing market reflects its desirability as a place to live, with varying prices depending on location, amenities, and proximity to downtown. Whether you’re looking for urban excitement, suburban peace, or waterfront views, understanding the housing trends in these neighborhoods will help you find the perfect home. Prices can fluctuate, so working with experienced real estate professionals can ensure you get the best deal.