Matrix News

Condo sales picking up at Burien Town Square

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By Steve Shay, Highline Times
05/03/2012

Until recently, just 19 of the 124-unit Burien Town Square condominiums were sold. However, five more units have sold over the last two weeks, and more are scheduled to close shortly. That, according to the development's sales team of Tracey O'Brien and Stacy Phipps.

To help promote the development, they are making five "homes-of-the-month" available with no HOA (homeowners association dues) for the first year, ranging from a one-bedroom, 527 square foot unit at $132,950 to a two-bedroom, 1095 square foot unit at $278,950. That will save the buyer about $2,000 to $4,300 accordingly.

Five sold in April at Marselle Condos in Downtown Seattle

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New Downtown Seattle condos are in higher demand these days as inventory continues to be gobbled up and no new condos are on the horizon. At Marselle Condos just north of Downtown, five more homes sold in April and now only seven homes are available.

Open one-bedroom from $219,990.
Two-bedroom/two-bathroom with den and city view from $434,990.
Penthouse townhome with two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, loft and patio from $489,990. (Pictured below.)

Market News

Nationwide Housing Affordability Reaches New Record High Tight Credit Remains Primary Obstacle for Buyers

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Press Release, NAHB, 5/17/12

WASHINGTON, May 17 - Nationwide housing affordability hit a new record high for a second consecutive quarter in the first three months of this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), released today. Yet tight lending conditions continue to pose a major obstacle to many prospective home buyers.

The latest HOI data reveal that 77.5 percent of all new and existing homes that were sold in this year's first quarter were affordable to families earning the national median income of $65,000.  This beats the previous record set in the final quarter of 2011, when 75.9 percent of homes sold were affordable to median-income earners.

King County home prices rise with fewer houses for sale

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By Sanjay Bhatt, Seattle Times

More homebuyers chased slim pickings in King County last month, sending house prices to their highest level since December 2010.

The median price of single-family homes sold last month was $360,000, up 9 percent from March and nearly 3 percent from April 2011, according to statistics released Thursday by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. It was the second month-over-month gain in median price.

Featured Properties

Just listed: Top of Queen Anne Brick Charmer

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Just listed by Matrix Broker Steve Snider: 1810 Warren Ave N, Seattle.

Originally built in 1914, completely refurbished in 2012.  Coveted top-of-Queen Anne location on quiet street two blocks from QA Ave shopping and dining. (Scroll down for photos.)

Just listed: Huge 4 BR in NW Auburn - $314,950

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This nearly new home in Cedar Ridge Estates has four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and tons of space for you.

Exquisite millwork and wainscoting greet you in the formal living room, and hardwood floors lead you to the expansive kitchen and dining area. All appliances stay. Beautiful tile counters in kitchen, and grand fireplace in family room with new carpet. HUGE master with room for seating area, vaulted ceilings and five-piece bathroom.