Six,
This week I finished up my “summer roadshow” in visiting each of your office meetings. I absolutely loved all of it. My hope is that the conversations + storytelling led to more talking points in helping you “win the business” + articulate your value. I’ve already heard from several of you in how you have used the content to win – and did. Coming out of this roadshow, several ideas and tools made it to my whiteboard for further discussion and creation. Some of the very best ideas come from you. I’m excited, stay tuned! In the immediate, let’s sweep this week and get after today + the upcoming weekend in productive summer work and play. Let’s start with a few digestible June talking points as our monthly stats are again ready for you…
June 2017 Seattle Monthly Talking Points
Seattle (based on Residential and Condominium report):
The market continues to be very competitive (sound like a broker record?) for Buyers with months supply of inventory at .6 months.
The supply experienced a seasonal increase:
Active inventory at the end of June 2017 (718) increased 8.45% from the end of May 2017 (662 up to 718). New listings in the second quarter 2017 totaled 3,870 compared to 2,660 in the first quarter of 2017.
A few less homes sold above list price in June 2017 (65%) as compared to last month (May 2017, 67%). Close to 95% of the properties that sold had 30 days or less on the market, with 85.5% of homes with less than 15 days on market.
A follow up to my Closing Date public service announcement last week on FWL…Thank you Michelle Barry for these additional solid reminders! Give yourself a fighting chance to close on time! Delays can be painful on many level.
“Hi…Good article about the closing dates. Another tip is to shift them back from the end of the month, which many people do out of habit. About 1/3 of our business for the month is often closed in the last 3 days of the month. Avoiding Friday closings is great too, as if something does go wrong and there’s only a day delay, not a full weekend. A mid-month, mid-week closing also mean that movers, cleaners, everything else in the process is more available as well. Just my 2 cents 🙂 – Michelle Barry | CW Title & Escrow Account Manager | 206-992-1226
Subject: New Cell phone law takes effect July 23rd | Be Safe.
The new “Distracted Driver” law in WA State takes effect this month on Sunday, July 23, 2017. Failure to comply with the new law will result in increased fines. A driver cited for “Distracted Driving” for the first offense will pay a penalty of at least $136 and the offense will appear on your driving record which insurance companies use for auto insurance rating purposes.
What you need to know to avoid penalties and increases to your insurance premiums as a result of the new law:
Drivers cannot use cell phones while driving: this includes texting, reading, talking or messaging with the devise in hand (including at traffic or stop sign).
Drivers cannot view videos or cameras while driving.
Activities such as smoking, eating, reading or any other activity that interferes with safe driving is prohibited (drivers will be fines for these activities if they are pulled over for another traffic offense).
A couple articles you may too have interest in digesting from The Seattle Times:
…on a lighter note, it’s Friday. It appears we are again in for a fantastic sunny weekend – Seattle will again show it’s best self. Soak it up, here to help – the ultimate goal. Giddy up! These chairs await me this evening…
Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.
Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood