Mill Creek Real Estate

Motivated buyers

2011-02-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

Motivated buyers returning to the housing market

Dramatic increases in open house activity and shrinking inventory are fueling optimism among members of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Commenting on the just-released MLS report on January's housing activity, one director stated, "There is a strong belief in the industry that the worst is behind us and we can look forward with confidence."

We had more than 15 buyers visit our Open House in Parkside, Mill Creek on Sunday. We have experienced tremendous activity in the past 6 weeks for motivated buyers and investors. Sellers are also taking advantage of the opportunity to buy up while rates are still historically low.

Market update

2010-11-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

According to statistics from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), the number of homes that went under contract in October was up slightly in the Puget Sound area when compared to last month, with Snohomish County seeing the biggest month over month jump of 8.16% Overall, home sales were up nearly 5% from September, in large part due to the 8% sales jump in King County.
The year over year comparison shows pending sales down 22%, and closed sales down 27%. This large gap could be attributed to October 2009 benefiting from a large spike in sales because of the original expiration date of the federal tax credits for homebuyers.

Stable Prices & High Inventory
The Puget Sound continues to trend towards a buyer’s market, with prices stable, inventory up, and low mortgage rates increasing buying power.

Mill Creek Market Update

2010-09-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek sales have been strong in the past 2 weeks with 19 pending sales and 7 closed sales.

Update on the local interest rate markets…there is speculation that last week may have served as the bottom of the interest rate market. Rates began to trend slightly upward and the general consensus is although they will stay low for quite some time, they are not likely to sink any lower than current market.

Qualified borrowers are going to receive rates in the lower 4.25% ish range for 30 year fixed. Clients seeking 5 year arm loans are going to see rates available around the 3% ish range.

Now is a great time to respond to these low markets!

Market Update

2010-06-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE The big news of the week revealed housing starts down 10.0% in May to an annual rate of 593,000 units. Closer inspection of the report reveals that all the drop came from the South. In fact, housing starts were actually UP in all other regions of the country. The South suffered in May with the Gulf oil spill disaster and major flooding. It's understandable that these unfortunate occurrences would make everyone, including home builders, more risk averse than usual. In any case, starts are UP 24.3% above their low a year ago April, with single-family starts UP 15.3% in the last year.

Market Update

2010-06-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported the Pending Homes Sales index rose in April for the third month in a row, registering a 6% increase over the upwardly revised March figure. This index measures the number of homebuyers signing purchase contracts. April Pending Home Sales hit their highest level since October 2009 and are UP 22.4% year-over-year. Like Existing and New Home Sales the week before, a good part of the gain was put to the tax credit expiration that required a signed contract by April 30. The NAR also forecast new home sales will be UP 18.5% for the year.

April construction increased 2.7%, its fastest gain in a decade. This includes commercial, government, and home construction. Home improvements led the residential gain, but new single-family homes were up as well, showing increased confidence among home builders.

Seattle #2 Best City for Next Decade

2010-05-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

10 best cities for the next decade

In researching our 2010 Best Cities, it became clear that there are three elements to the innovation factor. Mark Emmert, president of the University of Washington, put his finger on two of them: Smart people and great ideas. But we'd argue that it's the third element -- collaboration -- that really supercharges a city's economic engine.

When governments, universities and business communities work together, the economic vitality is impressive.

And it's no coincidence that economic vitality and livability go hand in hand. Creativity in music, arts and culture -- plus neighborhoods and recreational facilities that rank high for "coolness" -- attract like-minded professionals who go on to cultivate a region's business scene.

The 10 cities on our 2010 Best Cities are not just great places to live, they're also great places to start a business or find a job.

Here's a closer look at Seattle, the #2 city:

#2. Seattle

Rain City? We say Brain City. It's home to a well-educated work force, a world-class research university and such über-innovators as Microsoft (MSFT, news, msgs), Amazon.com (AMZN, news, msgs) and Boeing's (BA, news, msgs) main aircraft production facility. (Microsoft owns MSN Money.)

Seattle boasts a host of risk-taking, garage-tinkering entrepreneurs, and the city crackles with creative energy. "We only have two products here: smart people and great ideas," says Emmert.

Households Unfazed by Expiring Tax Credits

2010-05-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Households Unfazed by Expiring Tax Credits

The expiration of the home buyer tax credits won’t deter optimistic households who believe the market is improving, according to a survey released Wednesday by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services.

More than 90 percent of those surveyed believe the home buyer tax credits have helped both first-time buyers and the overall housing market, but 65 percent say that end of tax credits won’t reduce their personal interest in buying a home.

Over the next five years, 79 percent expect real estate prices to increase, and 20 percent expect prices to rise substantially. Only 12 percent believe prices will decrease.

Among renters, 75 percent believe owning a home is a better long-term choice for them than renting.

The majority of consumers also believe that homeownership is a good investment, with 75 percent saying it is better than stocks or bonds, 72 percent preferring it to mutual funds, and 74 percent saying it surpasses savings accounts.

Source: Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. (04/28/2010)

Mill Creek Market Watch Jan 2-23

2010-02-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
January 2nd – January 23rd

Homes New on Market

Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1516 SF $344,950
Webster’s Pond 3 bed 2 story 2029 SF $349,000
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1906 SF $359,800
Pembrook 2 bed 1 story 1820 SF $389,900
Heatherwood 4 bed 1 story w/basement 2728 SF $419,000
Woodfern 4 bed 1 story w/basement 2746 SF $425,000
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2211 SF $464,500
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 3097 SF $537,000
Holly 4 bed 2 story 3580 SF $599,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3376 SF $729,950
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 5021 SF $950,000

Pending Sales (Asking price listed)

Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 3226 SF $399,950
The Highlands 3 bed 2 story 2109 SF $350,000
Huckleberry 4 bed Multi-Level 2566 SF $409,950
Magnolia 4 bed Tri-Level 2297 SF $454,900
Holly 4 bed 2 story 2749 SF $529,000
Webster’s Pond 5 bed 2 story 3497 SF $536,500
Winslow 4 bed 2 story 2448 SF $429,000
Evergreen 3 bed 1 story 2809 SF $619,000

Sold (Closed price listed)

Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 2890 SF $400,000
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 3121 SF $449,000
The Parks 5 bed 2 story 2755 SF $459,900

Market Watch Dec 18-Jan1

2010-01-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
December 18th – January 1st

Homes New on Market

Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1645 SF $379,950
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1607 SF $379,950
Webster’s Pond 4 bed 2 story 2883 SF $510,000

Sold (closed price listed)

Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1906 SF $359,800
The Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 3632 SF $458,900
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2223 SF $490,000
Aspen 3 bed 1 story 2960 SF $589,950
Evergreen 3 bed 1 ½ story 3549 SF $655,000

Mill Creek Market Watch Nov 15-29

2009-12-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
November 15th – November 29th

Homes New on Market

The Highlands 4 bed 2 story 2500 SF $360,000
Mill Creek Meadows 5 bed 2 story 2769 SF $475,000

Pending Sales (asking price listed)

Montage 4 bed 2 story 3238 SF $549,950
Huckleberry 3 bed tri-level 2441 SF $429,000
The Parks 3 bed 2 story 2401 SF $400,000
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 3121 SF $449,900
The Parks 5 bed 2 story 2755 SF $469,950
Winslow 4 bed 2 story 2439 SF $489,000
Aspen 3 bed 1 story 2960 SF $589,950
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2337 SF $469,000
Evergreen 3 bed 1 ½ story 3549 SF $699,000

Sold (closed price listed)

Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1858 SF $356,000
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1466 SF $381,068
Parkside 4 bed 2 story 2688 SF $535,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3573 SF $680,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3426 SF $705,000
River Crossing 5 bed 2 story w/basement 4527 SF $780,000

Market Watch Nov 2-Nov 14

2009-11-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

Mill Creek Market Watch

November 2nd – November 14

Homes New on Market
Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1466 SF $369,950
The Parks 3 bed 2 story 2401 SF $400,000
Huckleberry 4 bed Multi-Level 2566 SF $439,950
Winslow 4 bed 2 story 2448 SF $450,000
Douglas Fir 3 bed 2 story 2455 SF $519,750
The Parks 5 bed 2 story 3405 SF $550,000

Pending Sales (asking price listed)
Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1721 SF $314,450
Evergreen 3 bed 1 ½ story 3549 SF $699,000
The Meadows 4 bed 2 story 2057 SF $327,900
Stratford Greens 2 bed Townhouse 1721 SF $254,900
The Meadows 3 bed 1 story 1378 SF $295,000
Webster’s Pond 4 bed 2 story 2455 SF $315,000
Webster’s Pond 4 bed 2 story 2791 SF $384,900
The Parks 4 bed 2 story w/basement 3036 SF $459,500
Penny Creek 4 bed 2 story 3489 SF $624,950

Sold (closed price listed)
Sweetwater Ranch 4 bed 2 story 2217 SF $345,000
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1462 SF $397,014
Fairway 3 bed 1 story 2132 SF $492,000
Magnolia 5 bed 2 story w/basement 3844 SF $500,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2856 SF $505,000

Tax Credit Update

2009-11-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

$8000 "First Time Buyer" credit extended
"First Time Buyer" is anyone not owning real estate for the past 3 years

New $6500 Repeat Buyer Credit
You are eligibly if you have owned and lived in your previous home for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. Purchase price limit of $800,000

To qualify for either credit you must enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement by the end of April 2010, and the transaction closed by end of June 2010.

Market Watch Oct 19-Nov 1

2009-11-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

Mill Creek Market Watch

October 19th– November 1st

Homes New on Market

Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1742 SF $341,800
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1848 SF $348,800
Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1869 SF $351,800
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1906 SF $359,800
Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1745 SF $374,950
Websters Pond 4 bed 2 story 2791 SF $384,900
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2223 SF $499,950
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2756 SF $515,000
Sunrose 4 bed Tri-level 2609 SF $519,000
Montage 4 bed 2 story 3049 SF $539,950
Montage 4 bed 2 story 3238 SF $549,950

Pending Sales (asking price listed)

Stratford Greens 2 bed Townhouse 1721 SF $254,900
Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1878 SF $339,000
Penny Creek 4 bed 2 story 3489 SF $624,950
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1858 SF $379,800
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1607 SF $389,950
Parkside 4 bed 2 story 2688 SF $579,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3573 SF $699,950
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3426 SF $739,950
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3472 SF $749,950
River Crossing 5 bed 2 story w/basement 4527 SF $849,950

Sold (closed price listed)

Websters Pond 4 bed 2 story 2852 SF $380,000
Brighton 5 bed 2 story 2697 SF $410,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 2841 SF $490,000
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 3283 SF $500,000

Red Cedar Raccoons

2009-11-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Raccoons on Roofs

More raccoons on the roof! Red Cedar couple is surprised by pile of raccoon scat on roof. Evergreen limbs overhanging their roof from the nature trail provides EZ transport for the raccoons over the couple's roof to the neighbors back yard where the raccoon travel daily to feed.

If you have limbs overhanging your property from the nature trails, MCCA says it's OK to cut limbs at your property line. Better yet...call Joan at MCCA office and she will have someone look at the trees and trim them back. Tree limbs and vines make perfect transportation lines for rats and raccoons onto roofs and into attics. Check the trees and vines around your roof before winter sets in.

Reminder...Don't feed the raccoons! They may be fun to watch but they can damage your property as well as small pets and children.

Racoon digs 4 foot hole in Springtree roof

2009-10-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

A Springtree owner came home to a 4 foot hole in their shake roof, dug by racoons! A neighbor spotted the bandits on the roof. I called my roofer DeWayne for a quick fix, as my clients were out of town when this occured. DeWayne said this is the fifth such call he has had in the area recently. He said in all the years he's owned his roofing company this has been the worst year for racoon damage on roofs. He says the racoons are trying to get into the attic to nest. Once this happens you have a real mess!

To prevent racoon damage, cut tree limbs overhanging roof to remove access, and remove all outside food sources including pet food.

Market Watch Oct 4-18

2009-10-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch

October 4th – October 18th

Homes New on Market

Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1878 SF $339,000
Highlands 4 bed 2 story 2500 SF $549,950
Juniper 4 bed 2 story 3268 SF $619,000
Evergreen 3 bed 1 ½ story 3549 SF $699,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Fairway 3 bed 1 story 2132 SF $499,950
River Crossing 2 story 3573 SF $749,950

Sold (closed price listed)

Emerald Heights 2 bed 1 story 1234 SF $282,500
Evergreen 3 bed 1 story 3332 SF $600,000
Evergreen 4 bed 2 story 3586 SF $633,000

Market Watch Sep 20 - Oct 3

2009-10-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch

September 20th– October 3rd

Homes New on Market

Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1462 SF $359,950
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1607 SF $389,950
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 3121 SF $469,900

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1466 SF $379,950
Sweetwater Ranch 4 bed 2 story 2217 SF $380,000
Magnolia 5 bed 2 story with basement 3844 SF $500,000
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 3283 SF $509,950
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2856 SF $520,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 2841 SF $525,000

Sold-closed price listed

Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1496 SF $334,175
Springtree Golf Course 3 bed 2 story 2000 SF $365,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 1906 SF $390,000
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2448 SF $483,000
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 3559 SF $557,000

Strong Sales in Mill Creek

2009-09-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Strong Sales activity continues in Snohomish County and Mill Creek as is evidenced by the increased number of pending sales the past 2 weeks.

Six straight months of increased sales in King and Snohomish County!

2009-09-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
September 5th – September 19th

Homes New on Market

Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1516 SF $274,888
Heatherwood 4 bed Tri-level 1908 SF $339,950
Red Cedar 4 bed Tri-level 2958 SF $488,950
Winslow 4 bed 2 story 2439 SF $495,000
Red Cedar 4 bed 2 story 2600 SF $529,950

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Thomas Lake 4 bed 2 story 2765 SF $385,000
Brighton 5 bed 2 story 2697 SF $364,000
Country Place 2 bed Townhouse 2112 SF $389,990
Douglas Fir 5 bed 2 story 3110 SF $419,000
The Parks 5 bed 2 story 2755 SF $479,950
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2448 SF $490,000
The Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 3283 SF $509,950
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2856 SF $520,000
Websters Pond 4 bed 2 story 2852 SF $384,950
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 2615 SF $498,000

Sold-closed price listed

Thomas Lake Estates 3 bed 1 story 2000 SF $384,950
Sun Rose 4 bed 2 story 2431 SF $374,500
Highlands 4 bed 2 story 2547 SF $390,000
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 1926 SF $399,950
Websters Pond 4 bed 2 story 3279 SF $465,000

2009-09-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
August 23rd – September 4th

Homes New on Market

Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1742 SF $339,000
Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1742 SF $339,000
Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1721 SF $349,950
Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1818 SF $372,950
Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 2122 SF $379,950
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1466 SF $379,950
Red Cedar 3 bed Tri-Level 1862 SF $400,000
Magnolia 5 bed 2 story w/basement 3844 SF $500,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Emerald Heights 2 bed 1 story 1234 SF $297,000
Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1496 SF $339,950
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1721 SF $349,950
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 1906 SF $399,950
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 3559 SF $585,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3239 SF $849,950

Sold-closed price listed

The Parks 3 bed 2 story 2140 SF $399,900
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 1930 SF $399,950
The Parks 3 bed 2 story 3570 SF $500,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 3058 SF $519,000
Juniper 4 bed 2 story 2770 SF $539,000

Foreclosure Rate Drops Dramatically

2009-09-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Are we over the worst? Let's hope so! The significant fall of Notices of Foreclosure filings in King County show positive signs of stabilization. Although the foreclosure rates have been bad, they are coming off their peak of June 2009.

This June there were 1615 foreclosure filings in King County, 1248 for July and 614 for August. The better news is that of those 614 filings in August, only 353 ended in actual foreclosure.

Although it's terrible for even one family to loose their home to foreclosure, the numbers paint a more optimistic picture than the media presents!

2009-09-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
August 8th – August 22nd

Homes New on Market

Websters Pond 4 bed 2 story 2852 SF $384,950
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1645 SF $389,950
Mill Creek Highlands 3 bed 2 story 2109 SF $409,950
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2996 SF $480,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 3600 SF $600,000
Sunrise 4 bed 2 story 3211 SF $684,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Huckleberry 3 bed tri-level 2441 SF $429,000
Emerald Heights 2 bed 1 story 1234 SF $297,000
Spring Tree 3 bed 2 story 2000 SF $369,500
Vine Maple 3 bed 1 story 2097 SF $419,950
Brighton 5 bed 2 story 3038 SF $499,950
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 3559 SF $585,000
Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1496 SF $339,950
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1721 SF $349,950
Mill Creek Highlands 4 bed 2 story 2547 SF $390,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 1906 SF $399,950
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 1926 SF $399,950

Sold-closed price listed

Huckleberry 3 bed tri-level 1960 SF $362,900
Evergreen 3 bed 1 story 2048 SF $449,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 2860 SF $449,950
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2790 SF $520,000
Douglas Fir 4 bed 1 story w/basement 3891 SF $559,950

2009-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch

July 25th – August 7th

Homes New on Market

Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 1926 SF $399,950
Heatherstone 3 bed Rambler 1888 SF $399,950
Vine Maple 3 bed Tri-level 2256 SF $ 419,000
Mill Creek Highlands 2 story 2109 SF $430,000
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 2890 SF $465,000
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2448 SF $490,000
Fairway Fountains 7 bed 2 story 9000 SF $2,150,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1462 SF $379,950
The Parks 3 bed 2 story 2140 SF $399,900
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 1930 SF $399,950
Douglas Fir 5 bed 2 story 3110 SF $419,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 3058 SF $519,000
Douglas Fir 4 bed 1 story w/basement 3891 SF $559,950

Sold-closed price listed

Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1858 SF $384,800
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1607 SF $389,950
Huckleberry 4 bed 2 story 2669 SF $417,500
Red Cedar 5 bed 2 story 3317 SF $493,000
Montage 4 bed 2 story 3702 SF $689,950
Montage 4 bed 2 story 3958 SF $649,950
Parkside 4 bed 2 story 3248 SF $699,950
Sunrise Court 4 bed 2 story 3825 SF $759,950

2009-08-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch

July 10th-July 24th

Homes New on Market

Emerald Heights 2 bed Rambler 1234 SF $297,000
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1721 SF $349,950
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1747 SF $ 352,950
Sweetwater Ranch 4 bed 2 story 1906 SF $399,950
Douglas Fir 4 bed 1 1/2 story 2493 SF $465,000
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2337 SF $499,950
MillCreek Highlands 3 bed 2053 SF $520,000
Websters Pond 3 bed 2 story 2134 SF $524,950
Holly 4 bed 2 story 2749 SF $529,000
MillCreek Highlands 4 bed 2 story 2764 SF $591,250
Evergreen 3 bed Rambler 2809 SF $685,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Fairway 3 bed Tri-level 2177 SF $380,000
Woodside Walk 3 bed 2 story 1462 SF $379,950
MillCreek Highlands 4 bed 2 story 2547 SF $390,000
Huckleberry 3 bed Tri-level 1960 SF $362,900
The Parks 4 bed 2 story 2860 SF $449,950
Juniper 4 bed 2 story 2770 SF $539,000

Sold-closed price listed

Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1858 SF $398,800
Woodside Walk 2 bed Tri-level 1845 SF $332,000
Spring Tree 4 bed Split-Entry 2696 SF $379,950
Heatherwood West 3 bed Tri-level 1956 SF $398,888
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 2131 SF $424,800
Huckleberry 4 bed 2 story 3452 SF $450,000
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 2572 SF $499,000
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 2206 SF $495,000
Vine Maple 3 bed 2 story 2516 SF $510,000
Holly 5 bed 2 story 4000 SF $650,000

Market Watch June 27-July 10

2009-07-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
June 27th-July 10th

Strong sales in Mill Creek above $500,000 in the past two weeks. June completes the fourth month of increased sales in the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. June's inventory (available homes for sale) dropped slightly since May, creating even higher demand for homes on the market. Average sales price in Snohomish County still remains around $320,000.

Homes New on Market

Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 1878 SF $379,900
SunRose 4 bed 2 story 2431 SF $384,500
Highlands 4 bed 2 story 2547 SF $ 390,000
Webster’s Pond 2 story 2029 SF $399,950
Sweetwater Ranch 3 bed 2 story 2217 SF $425,000
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2211 SF $485,000
Brighton 5 bed 2 story 3038 SF $499,950
Parks 4 bed 2 story 2841 SF $525,000
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 story 3559 SF $585,000
Cottonwood 4 bed Daylight Rambler 3360 SF $600,000
Evergreen 3 bed Rambler 3332 SF $687,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3426 SF $899,950

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1858 SF 398,800
Woodside Walk 2 bed TriLevel 1845 SF$332,000
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1845 SF $332,000
Huckleberry 4 bed 2 story 2669 SF $417,500
Evergreen 3 bed Rambler 2048 SF $449,000
Cottonwood 5 bed 2 story 2394 SF $459,900
Webster’s Pond 4 bed 2 story 3279 SF $489,500
Red Cedar 5 bed 2 story 3317 SF $493,000
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 2206 SF $495,000
Parks 3 bed 2 story 3570 SF $500,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2790 SF $520,000
Montage 4 bed 2 story 3958 SF $649,950
Montage 4 bed 2 story 3702 SF $689,950
Webster’s Pond 5 bed 2 story 3630 SF $569,999
Evergreen 3 bed Rambler 2876 SF $574,950
Parkside 4 bed 2 story 3248 SF $699,950

Sold-closed price listed

Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1314 SF $349,950
Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1817 SF $376,848
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 story 1856 SF $385,000
Parks 4 bed 2 story 2143 SF $405,000
Woodside Walk 2 bed TriLevel 1845 SF$332,000
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 2573 SF $470,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 3202 SF $510,000

2009-06-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
June 12th-June 26th

Homes New on Market

Cottonwood 4 bed tri level 2032 SF $349,950
Juniper 3 bed 2 story 1945 SF $452,500
Huckleberry 3 bed 2 story 2598 SF $485,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2790 SF $520,000
Juniper 4 bed 2 story 2770 SF $539,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 story 2856 SF $459,000
Parks 3 bed 2 story 3570 SF $600,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3261 SF $829,950
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3472 SF $899,950

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Northpointe 3 bed 2 story 1858 SF $398,800
Huckleberry 4 bed 2 story 2669 SF $417,500
Huckleberry 4 bed 2 story 3452 SF $450,000
Red Cedar 5 bed 2 story 3317 SF $493,000
Highlands 4 bed 2 story 3248 SF $699,950
Thomas Lake Estates 4 bed tri level 2295 SF $329,950
Heatherwood 3 bed rambler 1859 SF $325,000
Thomas Lake Estates 4 bed tri level 2295 SF $329,950
Woodside Walk 2 bed 2 story 1314 SF $349,950
Northpointe 4 bed 2 story 2122 SF $389,950
North Pointe 3 bed 2 story 2131 SF $424,800

Sold-closed price listed

Emerald Heights 3 bed 2 story 1746 SF $340,000
Northpointe 3 bed 1858 SF 2 Story $344,800
Pembrook 2 bed 2 story 1967 SF $355,000
Northpointe 4 bed, 2 story 1818 SF $374,950
Websters Pond 4 bed 2 story 2455 SF $385,000
Parkside 4 bed 2 story 2390 SF $430,000
Winslow 3 bed 2 story 2456 SF $485,000
River Crossing 4 bed 2 story 3180 SF $625,000

2009-06-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Inventory shrinking, sales rising, prices stabilizing
in some Northwest MLS areas

KIRKLAND, WA, June 4, 2009 – Waiting longer to buy a home is not likely to pay off, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Service director Kathy Estey after reviewing reports summarizing May activity. Estey pointed to shrinking inventory (about 20 percent fewer listings than a year ago), double-digit increases in the number of pending sales (up 17.7 percent from a year ago), solid open house activity, and signs of stabilizing prices (eight of the 19 counties in the report show price gains since January) as indicators of an improving market.

Northwest MLS brokers notched 7,160 pending sales during May. That total out-gained the year-ago tally by 1,075 transactions (up 17.7 percent) and improved on April’s total by 242 sales for a 3.5 percent increase. For the four-county Puget Sound area, pending sales jumped 21.5 percent from a year ago, rising from 4,526 to 5,498 transactions.

Buyers had fewer choices during May than at this time a year ago. At month-end, member-brokers reported 41,318 active listings throughout the NWMLS service area. A year ago, there were 51,817 active listings. Current inventory includes 11,278 single family homes and condos that brokers added during May. For the same month a year ago, brokers added 14,176 new listings to inventory.

Prices are showing signs of stabilizing, according to NWMLS data. Prices area-wide are down around 10 percent from twelve months ago, but a comparison to January shows price gains in eight of the 19 counties in the NWMLS report. System-wide, prices for single family homes and condominiums that closed last month are up about 2.6 percent since January.

2009-06-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
May 15-June 1

Homes New on Market

Parkside 4 bed 2 Story 2688 SF $630,000
Evergreen 6 bed 2 Story w/Basement $898,888

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Holly 5 bed 2 Story 4000 SF $650,000
Vineyards 4 bed 2 story 2572 SF $499,000
Pembrook 2 bed 2 story 1967 SF $325,000

Sold (closed price listed)

Thomas Lake Estates 3 bed 1733 SF 2 Story $300,000
Thomas Lake Estate 4 bed 1983 SF 2 Story $315,000
Northpointe 3 bed 1906 SF 2 Story $354,000
Woodside Walk 2 bed 1562 SF 2 story $369,950
Northpointe 3 bed, 2131 SF 2 story $380,000
Woodside Walk 3 bed 1589 SF 2 story $400,000
The Parks 4 bed 2378 SF 2 story $410,000
Evergreen 4 bed 3165 SF 2 story $530,000
The Parks 4 bed 3639 SF 2 story $600,000

Condos New on Market

Auguston 2 bed 1 level 980 SF $159,000
Country Club 2 bed 1 level 927 SF $199,950
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1226 SF $205,000
Mill Creek Village 3 bed 1 level 1379 SF $325,000
Auguston 3 bed Townhouse 1386 SF $217,950

Contingent

Mill Run 2 bed 1 level 1260 SF $220,000 short sale

Condos Pending Sales

Country Club 2 bed 1 level 927 SF $147,700
Auguston 2 bed 1 level 928 SF $149,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1192 SF $174,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1192 SF $184,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1192 SF $184,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 928 SF $199,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1226 SF $215,000

Condos Sold

St. Moritz 2 bed 1 level 1463 SF $185,000 Bank Owned

2009-05-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Home sales and prices rise in King County

Tuesday, May 5, 2009, Puget Sound Business Journal

King County home sale prices rebound in April. The average and median home sale price in King County rose in April from March; a price increase that hasn’t happened for several months.

The average home sale price of the 1,242 closings last month in King County rose to $417,500 from $394,169 in March. The median home sale price (half sold for more, half sold for less) rose to $350,000 in King County last month, up from $335,000 a month earlier. The median home sale price in April 2008 was $410,000.

2009-05-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
May 2-May 15

Significant rise in activity. Huge buyer incentives bring 7 sales in the Auguston. Read on…

Homes New on Market

Springtree 4 bed Split Entry 2696 SF $379,950
Pembrook 2 bed Rambler 1820 SF $400,000
Springtree 4 bed Daylight Rambler 2638 SF $410,000
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 Story 1930 SF $424,950
Cottonwood 5 bed 2 Story 2394 SF $459,900
Evergreen 3 bed Rambler 2048 SF $475,000
Winslow 3 bed 2 Story 2456 SF $489,000
Red Cedar 5 bed 2 Story 3317 SF $493,000
Websters Pond 4 bed 2 Story 2765 SF $525,000
Vine Maple 4 bed 2 Story 2615 SF $529,500
Sunrise 4 bed 2 Story 2698 SF $545,000
Cypress 3 bed Rambler 2833 SF $599,950
Vineyards 4 bed 2 Story 3283 SF $617,000
Sunrise Court NC 4 bed 2 Story 3185 SF $619,950

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Pending Sales-New Construction

Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 1906 SF $364,800
Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 1858 SF $398,800
Sunrise Court 4 bed 2 Story 3255 SF $649,950

Pending Sales

Websters Pond 4 bed 2 Story 2455 SF $319,950
Websters Pond 4 bed 2 Story 2455 SF $385,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 Story 2143 SF $409,950
Brighton 4 bed 2 Story 3202 SF $569,000
The Highlands 4 bed 2 Story 3237 SF $587,000
Heatherwood 5 bed 2 Story 2310 SF $398,888
The Parks 4 bed 2 Story 2378 SF $425,000
Evergreen 4 bed 2 Story 3165 SF $559,950
River Crossing 4 bed 2 Story 3180 SF $639,000

Sold (closed price listed)

Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 2131 SF $374,000
Red Cedar 3 bed Rambler 2122 SF $420,000
Huckleberry 4 bed 2 Story 2965 SF $440,000
Juniper 4 bed 2 Story 3370 SF $500,000
Evergreen 3 bed Rambler 2752 SF $608,000
Willow Golf Course 3 bed Rambler 3023 SF $700,000

Condos New on Market

Auguston 2 bed 1 level 980 SF $179,000
Mill Creek Village 3 bed 1 level 1379 SF $325,000

Condos Pending Sales

Rivendale 2 bed Townhouse 1086 SF $217,000
Copper Tree 2 bed 1 level 1795 SF $392,000
Auguston 2 bed 1 level 928 SF $149,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1192 SF $169,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1192 SF $172,000
Auguston 2 bed 1 level 980 SF $179,000
Auguston 2 bed 1 level 928 SF $184,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1192 SF $184,000
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 928 SF $195,000
Mira Vida 2 bed 1 level 1220 SF $397,990

Condos Sold
Rivendale 2 bed Townhouse 1086 SF $220,000
Mill Lane Townhouse 2 bed 1061 SF $225,000

2009-05-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Pending sales in Western Washington rise with improved affordability, buyer incentives

KIRKLAND, WA, May 5, 2009 –Northwest Multiple Listing Service members reported pending sales for April surged 11.4 percent compared to twelve months ago – and rose 21.3 percent from March.

Brokers reported 6,918 pending sales during April across the 19 counties that make up the Northwest MLS market area. That's up from the year-ago total of 6,208, and the March figure of 5,701 pending sales (offers made and accepted, but not yet closed).

For the four-county Puget Sound area (King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish), brokers notched 5,372 pending sales, the highest total since August 2007 and a jump of 26 percent from March.

Inventory is shrinking and prices are showing some signs of stabilizing, according to data in the latest report from Northwest MLS. The median price for last month's closed sales of single family homes and condominiums area-wide was $270,000. That matched the figure for March, but still lagged prices of a year ago (down 12.9 percent).

Inventory is down 18.3 percent from year-ago levels, with Clark, Kitsap and Pierce reporting the largest drops. Members added 10,824 new listings of single family homes and condos to inventory last month, down almost 20.5 percent from the year-ago total of 13,607 new listings.

2009-05-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
April 18-May 1

Homes New on Market

Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 1747 SF $352,950
Belvedere 2 bed 2 Story 1935 SF $385,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 Story 1906 SF $429,950
Huckleberry 3 bed Tri Level 2441 SF $469,000
The Highlands 3 bed 2 Story 2246 SF $485,900
The Parks 4 bed 2 Story 3036 SF $509,500
Vine Maple 3 bed Tri Level 2542 SF $539,000
The Highlands 4 bed 2 Story 2262 SF $564,750

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Pending Sales-New Construction

Thomas Lake 5 bed Tri level 2104 SF 334,950
Thomas Lake 3 bed 2 Story 1733 SF $314,950
Thomas Lake 5 bed 2 Story 2125 SF $332,950
Thomas Lake 5 bed 2 Story 2125 SF $332,950
Thomas Lake 5 bed 2 Story 2104 SF $334,950
Northpointe 4 bed 2 Story 1818 SF $384,950
Montage 4 bed 2 Story 3958 SF $699,950

Pending Sales

Emerald Heights 3 bed 2 Story 1746 SF $339,950
Websters Pond 5 bed 2 Story 2515 SF $379,500
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 Story 1856 SF $385,000

Sold

Emerald Heights 3 bed 2 Story 2518 SF $340,000
Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 1906 SF $355,000
Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 1858 SF $370,000
Parkside 4 bed 2 Story 2722 SF $508,000
Montage 4 bed 2 Story 3736 SF $625,000
Montage 4 bed 2 Story 3805 SF $720,000

Condos New on Market

Aviara 1 bed 1 level 710 SF $189,950
Country Club 2 bed 1 level 927 SF $147,700 Bank Owned
Country Club 1 bed 1 level 862 SF $162,500
Auguston 2 bed Townhouse 1180 SF $215,000
Rivendale 2 bed Townhouse 1104 SF $229,950
Mira Vida 2 bed 1 level 1023 SF $284,000
St. Moritz 2 bed 1 level 1531 SF $289,950

Condos Pending Sales

Mill Creek Court 3 bed Townhouse 1732 SF $254,950
Auguston 3 bed 1 level 1192 SF $169,000

Snohomish County Prices & Sales Increase

2009-04-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Second consecutive months of price increases in Snohomish County. February posted first price increase after 5 straight months of decline and 22 months since prices peaked in March 2007.

March average sales price up 3.75% from January in Snohomish County.

Significantly stronger sales activity in Mill Creek and surrounding areas. March sales increased in all surrounding and nearby areas…Bothell, Edmonds, Everett, Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Marysville and Arlington

2009-04-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
April 4-April 17

Homes New on Market

Huckleberry 3 bed 2 Story 1960 SF $400,000
Huckleberry 4 bed 2 Story, 2669 SF $449,950
Parkside 4 bed 2 Story 2390 SF $462,900 Bank Owned
Vine Maple 3 bed 2 Story 2516 SF $510,000

New Construction
Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 1858 SF $398,000
Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 1906 SF $364,80
Northpointe 3 bed 2 Story 2131 SF $424,800

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)

Webster’s Pond 5 bed 2 Story 2515 SF $379,500
Amberleigh 3 bed 2 Story 1856 SF $385,000
The Parks 4 bed 2 Story 3639 SF $649,000
Willow 3 bed Rambler 3023 SF $724,950 Golf Course
Emerald Heights 3 bed 2 Story 2140 SF $347,700 Bank Owned
Red Cedar 3 bed Rambler 2122 SF $439,000

Pending Sales-New Construction
Northpointe 3 bed 1858 SF 2 Story $344,800
Northpointe 3 bed 2131 SF 2 Story $378,800
Northpointe 3 bed 2131 SF 2 Story $378,800
Woodside Walk 2 bed 1562 SF 2 Story $399,950

Sold
Heatherwood 3 bed 2 Story 1656 SF $315,500
Heatherwood 3 bed Tri Level 1518 SF $325,000
Dumas Lane 3 bed Tri Level 1782 SF $330,000
Brighton 4 bed 2 Story 2793 SF $460,000

Condos New on Market

St Moritz 1 bed 1051 SF $197,000
The Auguston 3 bed 1192 SF $199,900
The Meadows 3 bed 1807 SF $359,900

Condos Pending Sales

The Auguston 2 bed 928 SF $184,500
Mill Lane 2 bed 1061 SF $229,950
Rivendale 2 bed 1086 SF $229,950
Northpointe A 2 bed 1500 SF $280,990
Northpointe E 2 bed 1500 SF $280,990

Condos Sold

The Auguston 3 bed 1192 SF $210,000

Mill Creek Market Watch

2009-04-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
March 23-April 3

Homes New on Market
Pembrook 2 bed 2 Story 1967 SF, $350,000
Amberleigh 3 bed Rambler 1856 SF $385,000
Cypress 4 bed 2 Story 2622 SF $529,950
Evergreen 4 bed 2 Story 3165 SF, $559,950
Fairway 3 bed Rambler 2132 SF, 619,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)
Red Cedar 3 bed Rambler 2122 SF, $439,000
Parkside 4 bed 2 Story, 2722 SF, $529,000
Montage 4 bed 2 Story 3805 SF New Construction $775,950
Northpointe 3 Bed 1870 SF New Construction $409,950

Sold
Highland Trails 4 bed Split 2209 SF $379,000

Condos New on Market
Aviara 1 bed, 710 SF $189,000
Country Club Condos 2 bed, 927 SF $209,950

Condos Pending
MiraVida -Town Center 2 bed 1012 SF asking $290,950
St Moritz-2 bed 1086 SF asking 229,950

Interest Rate Below 5%!

2009-03-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Under 5%...My Favorite lender quotes 30 year fixed Mortgage at 4.875% with a ½ point origination fee today!

2009-03-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

from Wall Street Journal, Mar 20

Under 5%, Mortgages May Be Near The Bottom

The Federal Reserve is going to extraordinary lengths to push down long-term interest rates, including home-mortgage rates. But those hoping mortgage rates will fall sharply from current levels, already historically low, may be disappointed. Mortgage firms Thursday were quoting rates averaging 4.75% on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, according to Zillow.com, a real-estate information service. That is down from more than 5% two days ago and about 6% in mid-November. But further big declines will be hard to achieve.

See complete Wall Street Journal article http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123750531250489895

2009-03-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch
March 15-22

Homes New on Market
Woodside Walk #67 2 bed 1496 SF $349,950
Woodside Walk #66 2 bed 1496 SF $359,950
Websters Pond 4 Bed 3279 SF $499,999 Built 2005
Vineyards 4 Bed 2572 SF $519,000 Built 2003
The Parks 5 Bed 2755 SF $524,950 Built 1996
Brighton 4 Bed +Bonus 2996 SF $549,000
Brighton 4 Bed + Den + Bonus 3202 SF $569,000
Montage 4 Bed 3805 SF New Construction $775,950

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)
Heatherwood 3 Bed Tri Level 1518 SF, $339,000
Montage 3 Bed 3736 SF New Construction $699,000
Heatherwood 3 Bed 2 Story 1656 SF $319,900
Northpointe 3 Bed 1858 SF New Construction $370,000

Condos New on Market
MiraVida Resale in Town Center 1 Bed 710 SF asking $189,000
Rivendale 2 bedroom 1086 SF, 2 car garage asking $230,950
St Moritz 1 bedroom 1051 SF, asking $250,000

2009-03-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Mill Creek Market Watch

March 7-March 14
Mill Creek Real Estate Market

Homes New on Market
Northpoint- Resale (Built 2007) 3 Bed, 2325 SF $419,950
Parkside-Complete Remodel, 4 Bed, 2722 SF $529,000
Evergreen-Rambler, 3 Bed, 2752 SF $619,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)
River Crossing 4 Bed, 3199 SF List Price $649,950
Huckleberry 4 Bed, 2570 SF List Price $349,950
Highland Trails 4 Bed 2209 SF List Price $389,000

Closed Sales
Woodside Walk 2 bed 1834 SF, List $369,950 Sold $361,865
Springtree 4 Bed 2474 SF, List $379,500 Sold $375,000
The Parks 5 Bed 2755 SF, List $449,950 Sold $420,000
Brighton 5 Bed 2734 SF, List $547,800 Sold $528,000

Condos New on Market
4 Two Bedroom condos came on market in Country Club Condos ranging from $185,000-229,500.

It is rumored that the pending lawsuit in Country Club Condos is settled, this is yet to be confirmed.

This Week's Market Feb 28-Mar 7

2009-03-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Mill Creek Market Update
Stronger sales this week, some great new listings!

Homes New on Market
Parkside-built by Lancaster, Complete Remodel, 2722 SF, 2 car garage, flat yard, covered patio, $529,000

Brighton-2 Story, Master on Main, Granite Kitchen,
2790 SF, 3 car garage, backs to pond, $579,000

Stonehedge-built 2005, 3508 SF, $599,950

Douglas Fir-Daylight Rambler, 3891 SF, 2 car gar, $624,950

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)
River Crossing-4 Bed, Buchan, 3199 SF, 3 car, Greenbelt, $649,950
Brighton-4 Bed, 2 Story, 2793 SF, 3 car, Backs to Pond, $479,000
The Vineyards-4 Bed, 2681 SF, built 2004 $465,000
Highland Trails-4 Bed, Split Entry, 2209 SF, $389,000
Emerald Heights-3 Bed, 2 Story, 2538 SF, $385,000
Huckleberry-4 Bed, 2 Story, 2570 SF, 2 car, $349,950
Thomas Lake-New Const, 4 bed, 1932 SF, $344,950
Dumas Lane-3 Bed, 1782 SF, $337,500
Heatherwood-3 Bed, 1656 SF, $319,900

Closed Sales
Cottonwood Fixer-3 Bed, 2562 SF, $346,391
Thomas Lake-3 Bed, Split Entry, 2295 SF, Sold $340,000
Thomas Lake-5 Bed, Split Entry, 2295 SF, Sold $349,950
Thomas Lake-5 Bed, Multi Level, 2104 SF, Sold $385,000

Condos New on Market
Auguston-2 Bedroom asking $205,000
Mira Vida-2 Bedroom, 1 level asking $356,990
Nature’s Landing-3 Bed, 2361 SF, asking $499,000

Condos Closed Sales
Auguston 2 Bed, 928 SF $174,950

FHA Lending update

2009-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Nearly ALL Lenders have now increased the credit score requirement for FHA to 620. There have been some positive changes to the loan limits for FHA however.

2009 FHA Loan Limits for Seattle-Bellevue and Beyond

King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties loan limits effective January 1, 2009 are:

• Single Family: $506,000
• Two Family: $647,750
• Three Family: $783,000
• Four Family: $973,100

The new loan limit is lower than the current FHA Jumbo limit of $567,500 and it happens to be the same as the jumbo-conforming (aka high-balance) loan limits for our area for 2009.

30 year fixed this week is at 5.0% with a 1% origination fee.
FHA 30 year fixed = 5.25% with 1% origination fee.

Quoted by: Jeff Judy, VP Hometown Lending
_____________________________________________________________________
Hometown Lending, Div TMBG, Inc. LO#: 510-LO-34648
Phone: 425.224.8503 Mobile: 425.422.3000
10025 19th AVE SE, Ste. 100, Everett, WA 98208
ontheweb:www.hometownlending.us/jeff

2009-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

WOW Mill Creek… #2 in Country!

Best Affordable Suburbs 2009
by Prashant Gopal Thursday, February 19, 2009 provided by Business Week

State by state, the most affordable suburbs that offer the lowest crime rate, finest schools, and best quality of life for the dollar

Housing prices across the nation are being flattened by the worst economic crisis in decades. But it’s still not necessarily easy to find affordable suburbs with good schools, low crime, reasonable commutes, strong economies and a good quality of life. That’s where BusinessWeek can help. We’ve selected one affordable suburb near the biggest city in each state where residents can find the best quality of life for their money in 2009.

2. Mill Creek, Washington
Nearest major city: Seattle
Population: 13,626
Median household income: $83,818
Median home price: $398,000
Unemployment rate: 4%
Violent crime index: 24

Mill Creek, a Seattle suburb incorporated in 1983, has an 18-hole golf course, trails, parks, and a mall. About 36% of residents are married with children. Average commutes are 29 minutes.

This Week's Market Feb 20-27

2009-02-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

Mill Creek Real Estate Market

Homes New on Market
Wildflower 3 bed+den, beautiful remodel 2363 SF $449,950
Emerald Heights 3 bed 1746 SF $355,000
Woodside Walk 3 bed 1607 SF $414,000

Pending Sales (asking prices listed)
Estates at Thomas Lake- New Construction 4 Bed, 2295 SF $365,000
Woodside Walk- New Construction 2 Bed, 1834 SF $369,950
Heatherwood 3 bed Ramber 1859 SF, $350,000

Closed Sales
Winslow 3 bed 2289 SF List $535,000 Sold $500,000
Webster’s Pond 4 bed 2765 SF List $445,000 Sold $435,000
Woodside Walk 2 bed 1834 SF, List $369,950 Sold $365,600
Westfield Park 4 bed List $369,960, Sold $340,000

There were large price drops in new construction $40,000-60,000 at Northpointe and several price drops in re-sale homes. Two homes came back on market after previously having sales.

Condos New on Market
Mill Lane 2 bedroom asking $244,950
Mira Vida 2 bedroom asking $299,950

Price reductions on Condos currently on market in Miller’s Village, The Masters and Nature’s Landing

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is part of the President’s broad, comprehensive strategy to get the economy back on track. The plan will help up to 7 to 9 million families restructure or refinance their mortgages to avoid foreclosure. The majority of homeowners going into foreclosure never call their lender and let them know they are in trouble. Embarrassment prevents getting the help that is often available. If you are in trouble please ask for assistance!