The $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers is almost gone and we have not heard anything about a possible renewal. I think the tax credits over the past years definitely had an impact on the real estate market, but most people who really wanted to take advantage have likely purchased. If you are disappointed that you have not found a home before the expiration, don’t worry, the interest rates are still low and many sellers are willing to contribute thousands of dollars to you in the deal – usually in the form of paying your closing costs. This has always been a part of negotiation.
Real estate sales seem to have picked up in Seattle, the main problem we are having in our Sus and Erin business right now is finding good homes for our ready and able buyers. Maybe many sellers are afraid of the “buyers’ market’ and not listing their homes? Will someone please list a nice, huge, craftsman home in Ravenna or a water view mid-century in Sunset Hill! We are out there knocking on doors to try and find these homes for our buyers. So we want sellers to know that it is not so bad out there as you may think!
Susanne
