National magazines and the media have been discussing the housing market and if it will recover. In my local market of Tacoma Washington our market did not take the big hit that other cities did. We still however did lose a lot of homes to foreclosure and to short sales. Slowly things are showing signs of life here. A long journey is ahead for certain.

Time Magazine ran a cover story on Rethinking Homeownership. The article gives several reasons why the author feels that homeownership should not be the American Dream. Interesting points being made in the article. You can read the Time article by following this link to the Time Magazine website.

Forbes Magazines Blog  has a post entitled Why Housing Will Come Back. The author paints a much different picture than the author of the Time Magazine post.  Another set of interesting points are made in this article. Read the Forbes Blog Post by following this link.

I highly recommending reading both posts and to continue to educate yourself on the topic of homeownership. Is it right for you? Only you know the true answer to that question. Real estate is a very personal and very local decision. What works for you in Tacoma might not work for you in Toledo. To make a blanket statement that housing is good or bad is a fools folly. To make a decision that makes sense for you and your family is the smart way to proceed.

When you are ready to buy or sell a home in Tacoma I will be here to help you make sense of our local market. For national questions I will consult my Magic 8 ball.

Thinking of buying a home in Tacoma this year? The summer buying season is upon us and the inventory is beginning to drop a bit. I am not saying that we are having a full on buying spree. I am saying that homes that are ready to sell, priced to sell and have the features that people are looking for are selling.

Homeowners have an advantage over the short sale, bank owned, foreclosures if they will take the time to make their home presentable and desirable. I have shown so many short sales and bank owned properties in Tacoma in recent weeks and the quality of homes is terrible! Homeowners you need to realize that you can shine compared to the junk if you take the time to clean up your home prior to sale.

Potential homebuyers you can do a couple of things to set yourself apart. Get pre-approved before you go shopping! If I write an offer for a buyer that has the financing already in place you come to the offer with a big S on your chest and a red cape You will be Superman! Also, be organized have your home inspector ready to work for you. Know what you want and what you can afford. Then we can go out and find you a great deal on a home. We might find the owner occupied gem that you’ve been wanting. We might find the bank owned fixer that will give you equity when you finish the repairs. No matter what you decide the buying season is happening and I hope to see soon.

When you’re ready for a Realtor® who cares about the outcome of your transaction. Give a call. (253) 219-1194 we are looking forward to working together with you to buy or sell your next home in Tacoma.