The year 2020 will be seared into our memories forever.  Seattle-area real estate sales were off to a blazing start and then our lives took a dramatic turn with the declaration of a pandemic and the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. I know all of you will have stories to tell about how these past four months have changed and challenged you.

Surprisingly, after a pause in late March and early April, the market showed great resilience in the single family homes category and currently multiple offers are a frequent happening in many neighborhoods and price ranges due to high demand, low inventory and amazing interest rates.  The condominium market has seen more volitle swings with the more recent protests adding a multiplier effect on the slowdown of condos in downtown Seattle and other in-city neighborhoods.

So many factors including stock market volatility, employment changes, trade war fears, elections, home schooling and buyer and seller’s emotional responses to all of the above is making for an unpredictable year so far.

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and finding ways to cope with our new and ever-changing reality.  Please reach out to let me know how you are doing.  Here’s a look at my business year to date including the sale of my own home (yes, we moved during the pandemic!).

Green Lake 
List Price: $1,100,000 | PENDING
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths
*Representing Buyer

Maple Leaf
List Price: $789,000 | Sold Price: $912,700
3 Bedrooms | 1.75 Baths
*Represented Seller

Broadview
List Price: $1,295,000 | Sold Price: $1,265,000
3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths
*Represented Seller

Phinney Ridge
List Price: $409,880 | Sold Price: $450,000
2 Bedrooms | 1 Baths
*Represented Buyer

Phinney Ridge
List Price: $965,000 | Sold Price: $950,000
3 Bedrooms | 2.25 Baths
*Represented Seller

Montlake
List Price: $1,698,000 | Sold Price: $1,605,000
4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths
*Represented Buyer

Llandover-by-the-Sound
Sold Off-Market | Sold Price: $1,450,000
2 Bedrooms + Den | 3 Baths
*Represented Buyer

Magnolia
List Price: $1,195,000 | Sold Price: $1,195,000
2 Bedrooms | 1.75 Baths
*Represented Seller

Maple Leaf
List Price: $745,000 | Sold Price: $730,000
4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths
*Represented Seller

Lake Hills
List Price: $695,000 | Sold Price: $740,000
3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths
*Represented Seller

Queen Anne
Sold Off-Market | Sold Price: $855,000
2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths
*Represented Seller

Maple Leaf
List Price: $695,000 | Sold Price: $821,000
3 Bedrooms | 1 Baths
*Represented Buyer

Seaview
List Price: $1,195,000 | Sold Price: $1,319,130
4 Bedrooms | 1.75 Baths
*Represented Seller

Haller Lake
List Price: $849,950 | Sold Price: $825,000
3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths
*Represented Buyer

Wallingford
List Price: $879,950 | Sold Price: $920,000
2 Bedrooms  | 2.75 Baths
*Represented Seller

Belltown
List Price: $1,724,000 | Sold Price: $1,675,000
2 Bedrooms + Den | 1.75 Baths
*Represented Buyer

c: 206-650-6346
o: 206-527-5445
tmarson@windermere.com
www.tamarashomes.com

As we prepare to start a new decade, I wish to acknowledge and thank all of my wonderful clients and friends for your continuous stream of business, referrals, friendship and support. I am honored to help my clients with such important transitions in their life.

The 2019 real estate market delivered great variety from fast-paced, frenetic behavior to slow downs in some segments.  Multiple offers subsided in the fall and buyers seized opportunities not experienced in several years, particularly in the condominium market. Many factors including stock market volatility due to trade war fears, elections, and buyer’s emotional responses made it an interesting and busy year!  December market activity suggests that 2020 will be an upbeat and active market.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my 2019 Sale History.  Cheers!

Belltown
List Price: $1,724,000 | PENDING
2 Bedrooms + Den | 1.75 Baths

Belltown
List Price: $449,950 | Sold Price: $449,950
1 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Ballard
List Price: $389,000 | Sold Price: $373,500
2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath

Spiritridge, Bellevue
List Price: $609,950 | Sold Price: $600,000
2 Bedrooms | 1.75 Baths

Alderwood
List Price: $485,000 | Sold Price: $490,000
3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths

Laurelhurst
List Price: $1,395,000 | Sold Price: $1,365,000
4 Bedrooms | 2 Baths

Northgate
List Price: $378,000 | Sold Price: $378,500
2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath

Belltown
List Price: $599,000 | Sold Price: $584,000
2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths

Shoreline
List Price: $349,550 | Sold Price: $335,000
2 Bedrooms | 1.75 Baths

Lakemont, Bellevue
List Price: $1,599,000 | Sold Price: $1,600,000
6 Bedrooms | 4.25 Baths

Sunset Hill
List Price: $1,200,000 | Sold Price: $1,220,000
4 Bedrooms | 3.75 Baths

Highlands, Renton
List Price: $575,000 | Sold Price: $577,000
4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths

Richmond Beach
List Price: $2,388,880 | Sold Price: $2,200,000
5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths

Kingsgate
List Price: $580,000 | Sold Price: $612,000
3 Bedrooms | 2.25 Baths

Kingsgate
List Price: $470,000 | Sold Price: $465,000
2 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths

Vintner’s Ridge, Kirkland
List Price: $1,050,000 | Sold Price: $1,040,000
3 Bedrooms | 2.75 Baths

Queen Anne
List Price: $399,500 | Sold Price: $401,500
1 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Madison Valley
List Price: $1,499,000 | Sold Price: $1,500,000
4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths

Big Bend, Goldbar
List Price: $325,000 | Sold Price: $310,000
2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath

Des Moines
List Price: $130,000 | Sold Price: $130,000
1 Bedroom | 1 Bath

c: 206-650-6346
o: 206-527-5445
tmarson@windermere.com
www.tamarashomes.com

The 2018 real estate market delivered fast-paced, frenetic behavior and outcomes in the first five months of the year and then we witnessed a slow down with inventory increasing, multiple offers subsiding and buyers seizing opportunities not experienced in several years. The trends were unpredictable due to many factors including interest rate and stock market volatility, political actions — local and federal — and buyer’s lack of confidence and emotional responses. It was an interesting and busy year!

As we start the new year, I wish to acknowledge and thank all of my wonderful clients and friends for your continuous stream of business, referrals, friendship and support. I am honored to take care of so many people who trust me to help with such an important transaction in their life. Thanks for taking the time to look at my 2018 Sale History. 

Cheers!  Tamara Marson

Queen Anne
List Price: $475,000 | Sold Price: $460,000
1 Bedroom + Den | 1 Bath

Tiger Mountain
List Price: $950,000 | Sold Price: $950,000
3 Bedroom | 3 Bath

Mill Creek
List Price: $388,000 | Sold Price: $382,500
3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath

Green Lake
List Price: $1,095,000 | Sold Price: $1,300,000
4 Bedroom | 2.75 Bath

Eastlake
List Price: $899,900 | Sold Price: $899,900
2 Bedroom | 2.25 Bath

First Hill
List Price: $1,595,000 | Sold Price: $1,595,000
2 Bedroom | 1.75 Bath

Magnolia
List Price: $995,000 | Sold Price: $1,165,000
2 Bedroom | 1.75 Bath

Ravenna
List Price: $848,000 | Sold Price: $958,000
4 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Ballard
List Price: $795,000 | Sold Price: $855,000
3 Bedroom | 3.25 Bath

Ravenna
List Price: $849,000 | Sold Price: $1,051,000
5 Bedroom | 3.5 Bath

Capitol Hill
List Price: $378,000 | Sold Price: $416,000
Studio | 1 Bath

First Hill
List Price: $1,899,000 | Sold Price: $1,855,000
1 Bedroom + Den | 1.5 Bath

Ocean Shores
List Price: $189,000 | Sold Price: $190,000
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Upper Rainier Beach
List Price: $449,950 | Sold Price: $525,000
3 Bedroom | 2 Bath

West Seattle
List Price: $799,950 | Sold Price: $799,950
3 Bedroom | 2.75 Bath

Blue Ridge
List Price: $1,680,000 | Sold Price: $1,640,000
4 Bedroom | 3.25 Bath

Westlake
List Price: $725,000 | Sold Price: $798,500
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Today’s retirees experience longer lifespans than any previous generation. This means retirees are facing new threats stemming from uncovered medical and long-term care expenses. Traditional estate planning doesn’t help retirees prepare for these new and challenging retirement conditions, which may even leave a retiree headed for bankruptcy!

If you are one of these retirees or are thinking about retirement, please attend a free LifePlanning seminar that demonstrates how planning differently today can help you to:

• Protect your assets from estate taxes and uncovered medical and long-term care costs!
• Plan for a better housing solution and avoid institutional care if possible!
• Avoid becoming a burden on your loved ones during retirement!

Seattle Lake Union
Date: October 27th (Saturday)
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Silver Cloud Inn
Address: 1150 Fairview Ave N, Seattle
Speaker: Attorney Rajiv Nagaich

Seating is Strictly Limited
To Register Call,
Phone: (253) 941-7200
Or Visit Us At
www.AgingOptions.com

The first half of 2018 has been fast-paced with frenetic behavior and outcomes.  However, by the end of May, we started to see a mild slow down with inventory increasing and in some cases multiple offers subsided.  The trends are unpredictable due to many factors including interest rate and stock market volitility, political actions — local and federal — and normal summertime distractions.

THANK YOU to all of my wonderful clients and friends for your continuous stream of business, referrals and support.  Please contact me if you’d like to discuss your plans for the future, or if you have any friends, family members or co-workers who may need my assistance.  Thanks for taking a look at Tamara Marson’s 2018 Sale History.

~ Tamara

ACTIVE – Tramonti Condo in Eastlake
List Price: $939,000
2 Bedroom | 2.25 Bath

PENDING – First Hill Plaza
List Price: $1,595,000
2 Bedroom | 1.75 Bath

Magnolia
List Price: $995,000 | Sold Price: $1,165,000
2 Bedroom | 1.75 Bath

Ravenna
List Price: $848,000 | Sold Price: $958,000
4 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Ballard
List Price: $795,000 | Sold Price: $855,000
3 Bedroom | 3.25 Bath

Ravenna
List Price: $849,000 | Sold Price: $1,051,000
5 Bedroom | 3.5 Bath

Capitol Hill
List Price: $378,000 | Sold Price: $416,000
Studio | 1 Bath

First Hill Plaza
List Price: $1,899,000 | Sold Price: $1,855,000
1 Bedroom | 1.5 Bath

Ocean Shores
List Price: $189,000 | Sold Price: $190,000
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Upper Rainier Beach
List Price: $449,950 | Sold Price: $525,000
3 Bedroom | 2 Bath

West Seattle
List Price: $799,950 | Sold Price: $799,950
3 Bedroom | 2.75 Bath

Blue Ridge
List Price: $1,680,000 | Sold Price: $1,640,000
4 Bedroom | 3.25 Bath

Westlake
List Price: $725,000 | Sold Price: $798,500
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

2017 was an exciting, fast-paced and sometimes exhausting year, with year-over-year appreciation in the Seattle metro market climbing to over 14%.  THANK YOU to all of my wonderful clients, friends and family for your continuous stream of business, referrals and support.  I appreciate the loyalty of my Sellers who allowed me to assist them, and I appreciate the patience and perserverance of my Buyers who wouldn’t give up in this competitive market.  Happy New Year to all!  And please contact me if you’d like to discuss your plans for the future, or if you have any friends, family members or co-workers who may need by assistance.

~ Tamara

Victory Heights listing sold
List Price: $749,000 | Sold Price: $735,000
4 Bedroom | 2.25 Bath

Fall City sale
List Price: $185,000 | Sold Price: $164,500
Vacant Land

Queen Anne listing sold
List Price: $1,350,000 | Sold Price: $1,525,000
3 Bedroom | 1.5 Bath

Magnolia sale
List Price: $725,000 | Sold Price: $725,000
3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath

Des Moines sale
List Price: $274,950 | Sold Price: $291,000
3 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Queen Anne condo listing sold
List Price: $499,000 | Sold Price: $500,000
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Fall City listing sold
List Price: $600,000 | Sold Price: $650,000
3 Bedroom | 2.75 Bath

Downtown Snoqualmie listing sold
List Price: $359,900 | Sold Price: $380,000
2 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Admiral sale
List Price: $938,000 | Sold Price: $938,000
3 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Broadview condo sale
List Price: $399,000 | Sold Price: $450,000
3 Bedroom | 1.75 Bath

Pinehurst sale
List Price: $599,800 | Sold Price: $595,000
3 Bedroom | 1.75 Bath

Ravenna sale
List Price: $799,000 | Sold Price: $915,000
3 Bedroom | 3 Bath

Lake Chelan Hills sale
List Price: $525,000 | Sold Price: $500,000
3 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Maple Leaf sale
List Price: $660,000 | Sold Price: $660,000
3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath

Ballard condo listing sold
List Price: $299,000 | Sold Price: $375,000
1 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Lake Hills listing sold
List Price: $599,000 | Sold Price: $665,000
4 Bedroom | 1.25 Bath

Victory Heights listing sold
List Price: $400,000 | Sold Price: $479,000
3 Bedroom | 1.75 Bath

Wallingford/Fremont condo listing sold
List Price: $600,000 | Sold Price: $600,000
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Wallingford listing sold
List Price: $1,495,000 | Sold Price: $1,595,000
3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath

Greenwood listing sold
List Price: $645,000 | Sold Price: $756,000
2 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Seahurst sale
List Price: $425,000 | Sold Price: $415,000
2 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Magnolia condo listing sold
List Price: $263,000 | Sold Price: $263,000
1 Bedroom | 1 Bath

Kenmore sale
List Price: $350,000 | Sold Price: $340,000
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Portage Bay listing sold
List Price: $1,090,000 | Sold Price: $1,065,000
4 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath

Westlake/Queen Anne condo listing sold
List Price: $725,000 | Pending Price: $798,500
2 Bedroom | 2 Bath

Blue Ridge sale
List Price: $1,680,000 | Pending Price: $1,640,000
4 Bedroom | 3.25 Bath

Fairmount/West Seattle sale
List Price: $799,950 | Pending Price: $799,950
3 Bedroom | 2.75 Bath

To start the year, housing experts all agreed on one thing: 2017 was going to be the year we would see mortgage interest rates begin to rise. After years of historically low rates, and an improving economy, the question wasn’t if they would increase but instead how much they would increase. Some thought we could see rates hit 5-5.5% by the end of the year.

However, the exact opposite has happened. Instead of higher rates as we head into the middle of 2017, we now have the lowest rates of the year (as reported by Freddie Mac). Here is a graph of mortgage rate movement since the beginning of the year:

Projections still call for an increase…

Four major entities (Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors) are still projecting that rates will increase by the fourth quarter of the year.

Bottom Line

No one knows for sure where interest rates will be in six months. However, if you are thinking about buying your first house or trading up to the home of your dreams, you can still get a mortgage at historically low rates RIGHT NOW.