2018 Third Quarter Market Trends

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty presents a look at the housing market trends for the third quarter of 2018, from the shores of Bainbridge Island’s waterfront homes and in-city living opportunities to the Eastside’s most distinguished residences.

Seattle  |  Single-Family Homes

Inventory continues to remain at the center of real estate conversations in Seattle, as the frenetic market of recent years has given way to a more balanced one that reflects typical seasonal trends. In Q3-2018 we saw 2.7 months of inventory, up nearly 75% compared to last quarter (at 1.2 months) and a staggering 156.5% on a yearly basis. View report>>

 

Eastside  |  Single-Family Homes

Record-breaking home price growth for single-family homes on the Eastside moderated from Q3-2017 to Q3-2018 with a 7.11% gain, a stark difference from last year’s report, which showed a 14.80% increase in median home prices from Q3-2016 to Q3-2017. View report >>

Bainbridge Island  |  Single-Family Homes

While Seattle and the Eastside saw slight decreases in the average median sales price from the second to third quarter of 2018, home prices on Bainbridge Island increased on a quarter-by-quarter basis, from $865,000 in Q2 to $912,000 in Q2, representing a 5.4 percent increase (larger than the 2.3% year-over-year gain). View report >>

Seattle  |  Condominiums

As was the case in Seattle’s single-family market, the number of homes available for sale is dominating real estate discussions, as the condominium market in Seattle saw 2.7 months of inventory in the third quarter of 2018, the highest number reported since the third quarter of 2012, when we nearly reached a balanced market at 2.9 months. Since that time, inventory has continued to dip, maintaining numbers well below 1 month in every quarter since the start of 2015. View report >>

2018 Second Quarter Market Trends

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty presents a look at the housing market trends for the second quarter of 2018, from the shores of Bainbridge Island’s waterfront homes and in-city living opportunities to the Eastside’s most distinguished residences.

Seattle  |  Single-Family Homes

Seattle continues its red-hot housing market streak, as the median sales price of a single-family home hit $857K, up 13.1% compared to Q2-2017, which averaged $758K. View report>>

 

Eastside  |  Single-Family Homes

Home prices on the Eastside continued their upward climb, increasing 12% year-over-year, while days on market decreased to just over two weeks. View report >>

Bainbridge Island  |  Single-Family Homes

Though other areas experienced increased inventory, Bainbridge Island saw a decrease of homes for sale with just 1.8 months of inventory, as the days on market fell 40%. View report >>

Seattle  |  Condominiums

Condominiums in Seattle continue to draw buyers, as the average days on market in Q2-2018 was 14 days and the average sales price reached $514,000. View report >>

Video of the Week: Majestic Waiea Grand Penthouse in Kakaako, Honolulu, Hawaii

 
 
$35,000,000 USD | Honolulu, Hawaii | List Sotheby’s International Realty 

 
Waiea is a masterpiece created by the world renowned architect, James K. M. Cheng in collaboration with one of America’s iconic interior designers, Tony Ingrao. In his words, James Cheng calls the penthouse “a villa in the sky.” Designed with the connoisseur of life in mind, no detail has been overlooked. This six-bedroom, six-and-one-half-bathroom residence sprawls over 8,532 square-feet and features a spectacular, over 2,000-square-foot rooftop lanai and a private, ocean-facing infinity pool. 

Discover luxury home tours around the world 

New & Notable Luxury Properties for Sale

From a vast historic island estate in New York to a modern masterpiece in Dubai, this month’s collection of exceptional properties for sale feature homes from some of the world’s finest locales. 

$125,000,000 USD | Glen Cove, New York | Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty 

Salutation is an exquisite 46-plus-acre island on the North Shore of Long Island. The land was granted by King George I and purchased by Peter Caverly in 1721 for two hundred pounds. More than 10 adjacent acres were granted with “underwater” rights, valuable for fishing, clamming and boating. The tranquil 28-plus-acre pond, which flows into the Long Island Sound, is home to oyster beds and many varieties of wildlife. The fortified 700-foot sea wall, a 250-foot dock that accommodates yachts and seaplanes, and a helicopter landing spot complete this phenomenal property. 

36 200 000 $ CAD | North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Canada Sotheby’s International Realty 

In total, this property comprises three separate titles, over 14 acres, a 9,000-square-foot custom-built West Coast home, another self-contained Guest House, working 12-stall paddock/barn, and Greenhouse. The main residence melds indigenous materials of stone, fir, and glass, spilling onto the maturely planted grounds of both native and specimen plantings, with natural and man-made water features. The homes are mechanically superior and the seamless marriage of West Coast architecture and Japanese influence create the perfect backdrop for this one and only retreat. Never before offered as one, the possibilities are endless and with RS3 zoning the future potential, this really could be the last of its kind and is truly a Lower Mainland trophy. 

$16,000,000 SGD | Singapore | List Sotheby’s International Realty 

This minimalistic bungalow-style home in Treasure Island’s Sentosa Cove features captivating, modern amenities such as a floating staircase, infinity edge pool with indoor access, open floorplan, and incredible views. The home also features a rooftop terrace, partially covered and ideal for entertaining. 

$58,500,000 USD | Snowmass, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty 

Taking its name from surrounding Snowmass Mountain, Capitol Peak, Mount Daly and Mount Sopris, Four Peaks Ranch is the consummate mountain sanctuary. Once inside the gate, a world of unique splendor and beauty awaits. An outdoor paradise spreads out amongst the 876 pristine and unspoiled acres with 15 miles of alluring private trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, paintball, and cross-country skiing. Moreover, a stocked pond and private beach with cabana, abundant wildlife for an exceptional private hunting experience, a chipping and putting green, and even a private labyrinth make these outdoor activities unrivaled for a personal residence of this stature. 

129,000,000 د.إ AED | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Gulf Sotheby’s International Realty 

With an expansive 26,000-square-foot built-up area, this Emirates Hills villa exhibits the finest in architectural design and materials used to create a serene family home. From the moment you enter this full golf course-facing home, you feel a sense of tranquility. The oversized picture windows that are inserted into the structure, allows every room to enjoy fabulous views. 

Original source on RSIR

FOLLOWING RECORD GAINS FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS, SEATTLE IS POISED TO CONTINUE ITS REIGN AS THE HOTTEST HOUSING MARKET IN THE U.S. IN 2018

Seattle has made seemingly endless headlines in recent months for its impressive housing market, and it seems no end is in sight as Seattle Times reports that the Emerald City has now maintained its position as the hottest market in the nation for 12 consecutive months. On top of boasting the largest home price gains of any other city, the Puget Sound also made headlinesfor 2018, as the annual “Emerging Trends in Real Estate” study ranked the city number one on its list, up from a fourth position in 2017. 

Looking at data from August 2017, Mike Rosenberg says Seattle’s 12-month reign is “the fifth-longest streak in the country since 2000, and the longest since Phoenix led the nation in home value increases for 13 months in a row from 2012 to 2013.” In looking to the rest of the nation, “home costs here [in Seattle] are growing at more than double the national rate of 6.1 percent.” What’s more, the second-place market, Las Vegas, saw an 8.6 percent growth, “nearly five percentage points less than Seattle.” In looking to Seattle’s West Coast peer markets such as San Francisco, the growth is almost astronomical, as home values are now growing twice as fast as those in the Bay Area, according to a recent Puget Sound Business Journal article. 

Rosenberg attributes the region’s growth to high paying tech jobs, competition amidst anemic inventory, the impact of foreign investment, and soaring rents, sentiments which echo the findings of the recently released “Emerging Trends in Real Estate” report and those previously noted by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty and experts of The FutureCast Forum. 

Regarded as “an important measure of economic conditions,” Seattle Times reporter Jon Talton shared key findings from the report, which include a positive housing outlook, strong population growth and a well-diversified economy. He adds that “we benefit from having twice the U.S. average – 12 percent – working on STEM occupations.” Looking to the future, he says “overall costs, housing affordability and availability of construction labor” will be important considerations, in addition to “infrastructure improvements.” 

Want to know more about the latest housing market trends in the greater Seattle region? Read Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s latest insights on the S&P Case-Shiller report, dive into the third quarter market reports, or explore The FutureCast Forum, a collaborative of opinion leaders that explores the current and projected market fundamentals and trends influencing the Seattle/Bellevue metro area by 2020 and beyond. 

Original source on RSIR

REALOGICS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY & BURRARD GROUP ANNOUNCE A MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEXUS CONDOMINIUM TOWER; ENCORE RELEASE OF 16 CITY SUITES ON 11/18

Market Experts Array Pent Up Demand for In-City Homeownership; Downtown Seattle Condo Prices Surge 33% 

Representatives of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty and Burrard Group announced a major milestone in the development of the 41-story NEXUS Condominium Tower today as it begins a vertical ascent towards completion in fall 2019. With excavation now complete, SKANSKA, the general contractor for NEXUS, has poured the foundation mat, which comprised of 3,900 cubic yards of concrete and measures up to twelve feet thick. 

“The entire development and construction team is excited to shift the focus from digging down to building upward and constructing this iconic tower,” said Chad Mathis, Senior Development Manager with Burrard. 

After analyzing market demand, Burrard also announced a change in the final product offering. The final construction documents include a revision to the floor plates in the “third cube” between levels 28 and 35 where a larger one bedroom and den floor plan will now be built as two independent and efficiently-scaled residences called City Suites – a 484-sq. ft. studio and a 503-sq. ft. urban one bedroom. Conversely, a penthouse home assembled two units to create a 4 bedroom plus den offering nearly 3,200-sq. ft.  These revisions increased NEXUS Condominiums by 8 residences to 389 units. 

“We took this opportunity to optimize the product offering based on market demands,” added Mathis, who acknowledged the flexibility to assemble and disassemble floor plans. 

“This design update presents an encore sales release of new homes priced from the mid-$500,000s to mid-$600,000s, a price range that was previously sold out at NEXUS,” said Dean Jones, President and CEO of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “There’s a lack of attainably priced homes in downtown Seattle. Consumers can afford to live in less space but they can’t always afford the cost of new condominiums. We’re facing a condo crunch as more and more apartment dwellers desire homeownership but there are few options available in the market.” 

Jones points to RSIR research showing that 78-percent of the 496 new condominiums being built in downtown Seattle are currently presold with virtually all remaining homes priced above $700,000. Consumers will find little relief in the resale marketplace as according to the NWMLS, there are only 11 homes listed for sale priced below $700,000. Meanwhile, RSIR reports the median price of resale condominiums sold in October 2017 was $649,500, an increase of 33-percent over the prior year. A preference for newer condominiums was also noted at the recently completed Insignia Condominiums. This presale development was delivered in 2015 and 2016 and experienced four resales last month – all within days of hitting the market, several escalating above asking price and exhibiting an average of 25-percent increases from presale to resale values. Market wide, S&P/Case-Shiller tracked 13.2-percent median home price increases making the Seattle metro area the fastest-rising housing market in the US for the past 12 months. 

Citing pent up demand, market pundits anticipate the latest sales release at NEXUS will sell out quickly upon listing on November 18th. Recently, the Urban Land Institute heralded Seattle as the #1 investment market in the US as part of their “2018 Emerging Trends in Real Estate” report. However, the opportunity for individual home ownership has been challenging given the dearth of for-sale housing being built. Research by RSIR and O’Connor Consulting Group confirms that no new condominiums will be delivered in 2017 and it’s estimated that 94-percent of the 27,000+ new multifamily housing units to be built in downtown Seattle’s urban center for the current decade will be for rent and not for sale. 

Mathis says more new condominiums are on the horizon but suspects most developers will want to retain their inventory as income property because the market is appreciating. 

“Land and construction costs are rising rapidly,” claims Mathis. “The reality is future deliveries will cost more to build and developers will need to charge more to make new developments pencil.” 

Original source on RSIR

Vicki Jackson Attends Sotheby's International Realty Global Networking Event in Las Vegas

For the past few days, I have been in Las Vegas for the Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Global Networking Event! Monday’s Welcome Reception was followed by numerous breakout sessions covering topics from Brand Conversation and Negotiation to Leveraging Media and New Developments. To cap off an excellent week of learning, we made sure to embrace the moment by taking a family photo poolside at the Wynn.

I am leaving tomorrow and look forward to sharing all I've learned and the new roll outs Sotheby’s International Realty is introducing in the coming year. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect and make new friends within the Sotheby’s family!! 

Realogics SIR Appoints 25 Year Real Estate Veteran Joe Galindo to Vice President of Operations

Executives of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty announced today the appointment of Joe Galindo as Vice President of Operations within the expanding global brokerage network. Galindo will provide direct management over the company’s Eastside branch offices in Kirkland and Issaquah, which comprise of 80+ brokers and employees, while also offering companywide operational support as the fast-growing firm expands throughout central Puget Sound.

“We are very fortunate to welcome Joe to our growing team of industry professionals,” said Dean Jones, President and CEO of RSIR. “As our company has expanded so has the need for his proven operational leadership.”

Offering more than 25 years in real estate experience, Galindo has earned the respect of the local real estate community having operated as a successful broker, a franchise owner and a branch manager. In addition to providing regional Eastside branch management from the flagship Kirkland offices, Galindo will also participate in a committee for strategic growth alongside Jennifer Johnsen, Vice President of Brand Development, who joined RSIR earlier this year.

“I’m excited to join Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Galindo. “For many years I have witnessed the evolution of RSIR locally and that of the Brand worldwide. Now I’m in a position to help resource this growth from within, applying my passions and my talents in building better brokers and attracting new talent to the team.”

Above: Joe Galindo is a 25 year veteran of the local real estate industry with experience as a broker, franchise owner and branch manager.

Consistently ranked by the Puget Sound Business Journal among the top ten largest real estate firms in Washington, RSIR has distinguished itself as a market leader in new construction project marketing and continues to grow its robust resale division generating among the highest average production on a per agent basis. According to Trendgraphix research, RSIR has surpassed its direct peer group with leading annual growth rates of unit sales and gross home sale dollar volumes, expanding 16-percent and 45-percent, respectively. The company is entrusted with many of Washington’s most valuable property listings but proudly serves all property types and price points.

“Together we are building the next generation real estate company,” added Galindo.

Featured in Seattle Magazine: My City. Your Neighborhood.

I am excited to share that I am featured in this month's Seattle Magazine as a part of an insert put together by Realogics Sotheby's International Realty. The Pacific Northwest is home to numerous cities, each with their own diverse neighborhoods. Whether it's in Seattle, the Eastside or on Bainbridge Island, residents and visitors alike enjoy unique culture, boutique shops and local eateries. 

Check out what I have to say on the Issaquah & Sammamish neighborhoods!

"Having raised our families in the Issaquah/Sammamish area, we know and love the schools, community spirit and atmosphere. The area is home to golf courses and parks, and offers a quieter alternative to Bellevue and Seattle's hustle and bustle."

Explore the E-book >>

Realogics Sotheby's International Realty's Newest Branch Office at "The Park House" Receives Media Attention

As Patti Payne of the Puget Sound Business Journal announced on March 28th, “Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is expanding into Seattle’s Madison Park” with its fifth branch office location. The latest addition to the growing global real estate brand “will consist of two sites across from each other: The Park House, a boutique real estate store front at 4031 Madison St.; and administrative offices in the building across the street.”

“Jones sees growing and sustained demand in the Madison Park area because of local job growth and traffic congestions. ‘I believe this is a point of inflection,’ he said, ‘and the Park House and our new brokers will be timely additions to our regional network as these trends play out.” Jones also alluded to future office locations in Seattle and the Eastside in areas “to be determined.”

For more information on “The Park House” branch office, Read the Press Release >>

Did you Know that May is the Best Time to List a Home?

In a recent Puget Sound Business Journal article, Emily Parkhurst declares that “This is the best time to list your house for sale in Seattle.” The dates she’s referring to? The first couple of weeks in May. As the feature describes, “houses listed between May 1 and May 15 sell 20 days faster than the yearly average.” What’s more? “They also sell for an average of $2,600 more.” These dates apply to most of the market in the United States, but are even weightier in a market as hot as Seattle’s.

May will thus mark an especially significant time to list in the already favorable market. As the Puget Sound Real Estate Trends & 2015 Year in Review, released by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, explains, the year 2015 witnessed white-hot real estate conditions throughout the Puget Sound not seen since before the Great Recession. Prices of real estate throughout the Puget Sound catapulted higher in 2015 and a similar trajectory is expected in 2016: expanding demand, anemic supply and developers playing catch up to increasing homeownership levels.

What Do You Think of the Zillow-Trulia Merger?

You've probably heard by now that Zillow purchased Trulia in a $3.5 billion deal, and it's left many wondering what the effect on the real estate market will be. The Puget Sound Business Journal reports that real estate agencies in the Pacific Northwest agree that it won't be bad for business. The article reads, "[t]here are literally hundreds of real estate aggregating websites out there, said Dean Jones, owner and CEO of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty. Because there are so many places for people to find listings, he expects the expanded Zillow to take a cautious approach to raising its prices because agents could easily advertise elsewhere."

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Image Courtesy of RSIR

With the Zillow/Trulia company set to control up to 70% of online real estate listings, it will be interesting to see how this merger plays out in the coming months.

Experience the Island Life on the Bainbridge Island Waterfront Home Tour

Waterfront homes are truly as unique as the people they attract, offering a distinct appeal and exceptional lifestyle opportunities. Here in the Pacific Northwest there are many shores to nestle on, and Realogics Sotheby's International Realty invites you to experience an exclusive collection of Bainbridge Island homes and embark on a waterfront tour this Saturday, July 19th.  You won't want to miss the chance to view some truly unparalleled available properties, take in the beauty of Bainbridge’s magnificent bays and harbors, and of course, soak up the waterfront lifestyle.

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So, with the sea below and blue skies above, climb aboard! Just pack your sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen, and prepare for a fresh perspective and a relaxing taste of the island life!

When: Saturday July 19th, 1-4pm (boarding at 12:30pm)

Where: The tour departs and lands at Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island

Cost: $49 per person

Reserve your seat now as space is limited!

The Collection Magazine is Here!

Introducing the new 2014 edition of The Collection Magazine – it has arrived!  The 100-page custom publication produced exclusively by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, features editorial articles on Beijing Sotheby’s International Realty, Millennial trends and a showcase of RSIR brokers and their unique listings – it’s the best of Northwest living!  I invite you to experience the extraordinary today.  It’s a Collection truly unlike any other. Read the magazine now.

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Destination Victoria: Seaplanes, Tenders & Golf Carts, Oh My!

Recently, Dean Jones of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, George Liu and Kevin Corbett of Beijing Sotheby’s International Realty toured the Greater Victoria area in British Columbia. Just moments from departing aboard their Kenmore Air seaplane flight, the trio caught a glimpse of VAVA II – a 315-foot super yacht moored in South Lake Union, which may be a harbinger to the global wealth that is descending upon the Pacific Northwest of late.

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PICTURED ABOVE: The 315-foot VAVA II dwarfs the other boats in Lake Union while an inspiring view of downtown Seattle is afforded from the Kenmore Air floatplane.

First stop was James Island, BC, a matchless 780-acre private island in the Gulf Islands and just a quick tender ride across from the Port of Sydney north of Victoria.  Listed by James LeBlanc and Scott Piercy of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, the $75 million resort-like enclave has too many lifestyle features to list, but is known globally as the only Jack Nicklaus “Signature” golf course in the world.

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PICTURED ABOVE: James Island is a 780-acre private island located in the British Columbia island chain known as the Gulf Islands just north of the San Juan Islands in Washington.

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PICTURED ABOVE AND BELOW: A “signature” golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus is the only one in the world that exists on a private island – the cost of a round could be $75 million unless you’re an invited guest.

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The group also met Dan Matthews, President & CEO of EcoasisDevelopments LLC and toured the office of Scott Piercy, a top-selling broker in the Victoria marketplace, located in the famous Empress Hotel. They also visited a record-setting penthouse sale overlooking the beautiful Victoria Harbor.

For more information see the full RSIR Blog Post Here