Is This A Good Time To Buy A Home In Washington State? For Many It Certainly Is!
“The oldest and strongest emotion in mankind is fear.” - H.P. Lovecraft
If you watch only national news of financial turmoil and declining housing prices you may fear now is not the time to buy a home. While that may be the case in other states, it’s not an accurate picture of the market in Washington. Washington State has a unique set of positive economic variables that sets us apart from much of the country.
As the financial regulator responsible for overseeing the financial safety and soundness of our state-chartered banks and credit unions, the Department of Financial Institutions stays in close touch with local real estate market conditions. This message is prompted by that “local knowledge” and a concern that the true nature of the Washington State real estate market has been lost among the national headlines.
Is it a great time for everyone in Washington to buy a home? No. However, we can truthfully say this may be a great time for you to buy.
There may be at this time an historic opportunity to buy in Washington State. There are many reasons for optimism. Long-term mortgage rates are in historically low ranges and, contrary to what you may think, our state’s banks, credit unions, consumer loan companies and mortgage brokers have money available for buyers with reasonably good credit.
Also, Congress acted to expand a number of home loan programs. Washington’s financial institutions have a strong presence in your communities and have excellent financing options for home buyers, including great programs for first time homebuyers. With the addition of expanded FHA guidelines, they can meet a variety of different borrower needs.
Additionally, there is a good selection of new and existing homes available on the market right now. Reports of plummeting home values are almost always coming from markets far from Washington State. Here, home values are generally stable, experiencing only modest fluctuations up or down over the past year.
Perhaps the most important factor to consider is the reality that the Washington State economy continues to outperform the national economy.
If you want to buy a home, expect to live in the home for at least three years. If the only reason you are hesitating to buy the home you want in Washington State is an expectation that you are likely to get the same home for considerably less money if you wait a few months, you may want to reconsider. Very few of us are lucky enough to pick the bottom of a stock market downturn — and that also holds true for the housing market.
For many buyers looking for that perfect home NOW may be the time to buy and be comfortable in your new home. Depending on your personal financial situation, this could be an opportune time to contact a Washington State REALTOR®, or home builder to help you find that perfect home and a Washington State financial institution or mortgage broker to assist with your financing.
There are many resources available to assist you with your decision. The Washington State Department of Financial institutions, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, our state’s financial institutions, mortgage brokers, REALTORS®, and your local home builders association are among the organizations providing valuable information to assist you with your home purchase decision.
Free State of Washington-sponsored pre-purchase counseling is available to Washington residents thinking of buying a home or considering refinancing. To speak with a counselor, call the Washington Homeownership Information Hotline at 1.877.894.HOME (1.877.894.4663) or find a participating counselor near you at www.homeownership.wa.gov. You can also visit http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/homeownership and http://www.wshfc.org to educate yourself about mortgages and homeownership and find links to other homebuyer resources.
Press release courtesy of Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, dated June 27, 2008 by Scott Jarvis, Director.
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Why Choose a REALTOR®?
Many people believe that when buying or selling a home, it is more cost effective to do it themselves. This is true...to a point. When uneducated buyers and sellers enter into the real estate market, there are many pitfalls that can appear out of the blue. The legal issues alone, are enough to deter most savvy home buyers and sellers from attempting to enter the real estate market without a REALTOR®. In most cases, choosing to use a REALTOR® can save both buyers and sellers money, time, headaches and avoid costly mistakes.
A REALTOR® is a member of the local, state and national real estate professional associations who subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and high professional standards. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics contains rules of fairness and honesty that govern conduct and provide access to arbitration and dispute resolution.
REALTORS® have many resources and tools available to help them sell homes. They often have access to the Multiple Listing Service, professional websites and other networks that make it easy for them to promote your home. They usually have not only clients of their own but also a vast network of other agents representing clients seeking to buy and sell homes.
An experienced REALTOR® can usually give valuable advice that will help sell a home faster, and most importantly for more money. They often work with many local reputable contractors and other licensed professionals that they can recommend when a home needs renovations prior to the sale.
A local REALTOR® can easily guide both buyers and sellers through the home buying process. Often home sales run into loopholes and clauses that often create confusion between parties. The legal requirements involved in buying and selling a home vary from state to state and are often loaded down with mounds of paperwork that a REALTOR® can help both buyers and sellers wade through.
Keep in mind that A REALTOR® can also weed out qualified buyers from those who are just wanting to take a peek inside your home, but do not have the means to purchase it. This can save a seller a lot of time and help keep your home and it's contents safe.
When consulting a professional Realtor® in the buying or selling of one of your most important investments, it is advised that you interview several REALTORS® at different firms. By asking some of the following questions, you can find the right REALTOR® that will meet your needs:
1. How many homes have you sold this year? How many buyers have you worked with this year? Their answers to these questions are obvious. The greater their client list for both buyers and sellers, the more experience they have.
2. How are you going to market my property? How will you find me the perfect home? Their answer should be in depth and include multiple avenues of marketing/searching. If their only marketing is by networking, find someone else. For buyers, if it only includes you doing all the searching via their website, also look elsewhere.
3. Will I work with you or your assistant? If the agent is so busy they can't give you their full attention, then they do not need your business.
4. Is this a full time job for you? When can you be reached? Generally those who are not working full time, are not available when the need arises, like when an offer comes in, or you wish to view a property. Make sure you know when, where and how they can be reached.
5. If I'm not happy with your representation, what are my options. This is especially important for sellers when they are working within a set time frame to sell. If the agent is not putting any effort into marketing your property, there should be a written agreement in how and when you can exit the contract.
In the long run, when you hire a REALTOR®, remember that they are providing an important service. Most REALTORS® charge fair rates for the amount of time and effort they put into selling your home. As a buyer, you can rest assured that your best interests are well represented.
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Mortgage Basics
Two types of mortgage instruments are used in the United States: the mortgage (sometimes called a mortgage deed) and the deed of trust. In all but a few states, a mortgage creates a lien on the title to the mortgaged property. Foreclosure of that lien almost always requires a judicial proceeding declaring the debt to be due and in default and ordering a sale of the property to pay the debt.
Deed of Trust
The deed of trust is a deed by the borrower to a trustee for the purposes of securing a debt. In most states, it also merely creates a lien on the title and not a title transfer, regardless of its terms. It differs from a mortgage in that, in many states, it can be foreclosed by a non-judicial sale held by the trustee. It is also possible to foreclose them through a judicial proceeding.
Deeds of trust to secure repayments of debts should not be confused with trust instruments that are sometimes called deeds of trust but that are used to create trusts for other purposes, such as estate planning. Though there are superficial similarities in the form, many states hold deeds of trust to secure repayment of debts do not create true trust arrangements.
Fixed Rate
A fixed rate mortgage is a mortgage where your interest rate does not change, and your monthly payment does not change. There are two main types of fixed rate mortgages, 30 year fixed rate mortgage and 15 year fixed rate mortgage.
With a 30 year fixed rate mortgage, your interest rate does not change, your payment does not change, and you pay the loan off in 30 years. Traditionally, this has been the most popular mortgage when interest rates are low because you can lock in and secure a low interest rate. The advantages are: 1-Lower monthly payments than a 15 year fixed rate mortgage; 2-Interest rate does not go up if interest rates go up; 3-Payment does not go up, it stays the same for 30 years. The disadvantages are: 1-Pay a higher interest rate than a 15 year fixed rate mortgage; 2-Interest rate stays the same if interest rates go down.
With a 15 year fixed rate mortgage, your interest rate does not change, your payment does not change, and you pay the loan off in 15 years. This has been popular among people who are refinancing their 30 year loan. The advantages are: 1-Lower interest rate than a 30 year fixed rate mortgage; 2-Build up equity in your home faster than with a 30 year loan; 3-Interest rate does not go up if interest rates go up; 4-Payment does not go up, it stays the same for 15 years. The disadvantages are higher monthly payment than a 30 year fixed rate mortgage.
Adjustable Rate
An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), variable rate mortgage or floating rate mortgage is a mortgage loan where the interest rate on the note is periodically adjusted based on an index. This is done to ensure a steady margin for the lender, whose own cost of funding will usually be related to the index. Consequently, payments made by the borrower may change over time with the changing interest rate (alternatively, the term of the loan may change). This is not to be confused with the graduated payment mortgage, which offers changing payment amounts but a fixed interest rate. Adjustable rates transfer part of the interest rate risk from the lender to the borrower. They can be used where unpredictable interest rates make fixed rate loans difficult to obtain. The borrower benefits if the interest rate falls and loses out if interest rates rise.
Option (Flexible Payments)
The option product is an adjustable rate mortgage; a caffeine stoked ARM. One of the biggest selling points is an incredibly low initial interest rate, some as low as 1 percent. Notice the words “initial rate.” “Teaser rate” is probably more appropriate and borrowers should enjoy it while they can. The option arm mortgage adjusts frequently, every few months or even every month, based on an index such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin set by the lender. Therefore, as with a traditional mortgage, if the LIBOR index or other index goes up, the mortgage rate rises with it, only much more frequently. Nothing we have read indicates whether these loans have a rate cap that controls the speed of rate increases or the lifetime maximum interest, but given the low initial rates that first step is bound to be a doozie. Many do seem to have a period during which the initial “teaser” rate is fixed. One lender advertises “for up to 60 months.” But “up to” are among the world’s best weasel words.
The option part of this loan however comes in the many alternative payments that the borrower can make. Most of the option loans allow the borrower to make a decision, each and every month, as to the payment they will make. A payment based on a 30 year amortization table which, if made every month, will pay off the mortgage, in 30 years of course. A payment based on a 15 year amortization table. An interest only payment. The principal balance will remain unchanged after the payment is applied for that month. The programs we looked at did not seem to put a limit, at least in their marketing materials, on the number of months this option could be utilized. A partial interest payment in which part of the interest is deferred and added to the principal balance (where one would assume it also accrues interest.)
Balloon Mortgages
A balloon mortgage can be an excellent option for many home buyers. A balloon mortgage is usually rather short, with a term of five to seven years, but the payment is based on a term of 30 years. They often have a lower interest rate, and can be easier to qualify for than a traditional 30 year fixed mortgage. There is, however, a risk to consider. At the end of your loan term you will need to pay off your outstanding balance. This usually means you must refinance, sell your home or convert the balloon mortgage to a traditional mortgage at the current interest rates.
Biweekly, Bimonthly, Weekly Payments
Normally, you make twelve mortgage payments a year. Since there are fifty two weeks in a year, a bi-weekly mortgage equals 26 half-payments a year. The equivalent would be making thirteen mortgage payments a year instead of twelve. By applying that extra payment directly to the loan balance as a principal reduction, your loan amortizes more quickly, requiring fewer payments.You save money. The ads are true.
Here’s how it actually works. You cannot simply mail in half a payment every two weeks to your mortgage lender. Since they do not accept partial payments for legal and accounting reasons, the mortgage company would just mail your half payment back to you.
Instead, the bi-weekly mortgage company is an intermediary between you and your mortgage lender. They automatically debit your checking account every two weeks for half of your mortgage payment, then place your funds into a trust account. Basically, this is just a holding account for your money. In another two weeks, there is another automatic deduction from your checking account, and so on. When your mortgage payment is due, your funds are withdrawn from the trust account and forwarded to your mortgage lender.
Since you are placing funds into the trust account faster than your mortgage payments are due, you eventually accumulate enough money to make an “extra” payment. The way the cycle works, this occurs once a year. The extra payment is applied directly to your principal balance, which causes your loan to amortize faster, pay off more quickly and saves you thousands of dollars.
FHA & FHA Mortgages
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a United States government agency created as part of the National Housing Act of 1934. The goals of this organization are: to improve housing standards and conditions; to provide an adequate home financing system through insurance of mortgage loans; and to stabilize the mortgage market.
The Federal Housing Administration offers various types of housing loans. These include: adjustable rate mortgages, fixed rate mortgage loans, energy efficient, mortgages, graduated payment mortgages, mortgages for condominium units, and growing equity mortgages.
In order to qualify for an FHA housing loan, applicants must meet certain criteria, including employment, credit ratings and income levels. The specific requirements are: Steady employment history, at least two years with the same employer, Consistent or increasing income over the past two years, Credit report should be in good standing with less than two thirty day late payments in the past two years, Any bankruptcy on record must be at least two years old with good credit for the two consecutive years, Any foreclosure must be at least three years old, Mortgage payment qualified for must be approximately thirty percent of your total monthly gross income.
VA Mortgages
A VA loan is a mortgage loan in the United States guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. The loan may be issued by qualified lenders. The VA loan was designed to offer long-term financing to American veterans or their surviving spouses (provided they do not remarry).
The VA loan allows veterans 100% financing without private mortgage insurance or 20% second mortgage. A VA funding fee of 0 to 3.3% of the loan amount is paid to the VA and is allowed to be financed.
In a purchase, veterans may borrow up to 100% of the sales price or reasonable value of the home, whichever is less. In a refinance, veterans may borrow up to 90% of reasonable value, where allowed by state laws. As of January 1st, 2006, the maximum VA loan amount with no down payment is $417,000 and can be as high as $625,500 in certain high cost areas.
The VA also allows the seller to pay all of the veteran’s closing cost as long as the cost do not exceed 6% of the sales price of the home.
Shared Appreciation
A shared appreciation mortgage is a mortgage in which the lender agrees to an interest rate lower than the prevailing market rate, in exchange for a share of the appreciated value of the collateral property. The share of the appreciated value is known as the contingent interest, which is determined and due at the sale of the property or at the termination of the mortgage.
For instance, suppose the current prevailing interest rate is 6%, and the property was purchased for $500,000. The borrower puts down $100,000 and takes out a mortgage of $400,000 amortized over 30 years. The lender and the borrower agree to a lower interest rate of 5%, and to a contingent interest of 20% of appreciated value of the property. Because of the lower interest rate, the monthly payment is reduced from $2,398 to $2,147.
However, this saving in monthly payments comes with a trade-off. Suppose the property is later sold for $700,000. Because of the agreement on the contingent interest, the borrower must pay the lender 20% of the profit, namely, $40,000.
By participating in the appreciation of the property, the lender takes an additional risk that is related to its value. Hence, whether this is a favorable trade-off depends on the conditions of the housing market. A shared appreciation mortgage differs from an equity-sharing agreement in that the principal of the loan is an unconditional obligation (to the extent collateralized by the property). Thus, if the property’s value decreases, the borrower would still owe whatever principal is outstanding, and if the borrowers sells the property for a loss, the contingent interest is simply zero.
Revenue Ruling 83-51 (1983) of the Internal Revenue Service specifies conditions under which the contingent interest in a shared appreciation mortgage may be considered tax-deductible mortgage interest.
In particular, a shared appreciation mortgage must stipulate an unconditional obligation of payment of principal to avoid being re-characterized as an equity-sharing agreement, which may lead to different tax consequences. Because of the complexity of tax laws and terms tailored for individual situations, private, noncommercial mortgages involving shared appreciation should always be executed with the counsel of a real estate attorney.
Interest Only
An interest-only loan is a loan in which for a set term the borrower pays only the interest on the principal balance, with the principal balance unchanged. At the end of the interest-only term the borrower may enter an interest-only mortgage, pay the principal, or (with some lenders) convert the loan to a principal and interest payment (or amortized) loan at his/her option.
A five or ten year interest-only period is typical. After this time, the principal balance is amortized for the remaining term. In other words, if a borrower had a thirty-year mortgage loan and the first ten years were interest only, at the end of the first ten years, the principal balance would be amortized for the remaining period of twenty years. The practical result is that the early payments (in the interest- only period) are substantially lower than the later payments. This gives the borrower more flexibility because they are not forced to make payments towards principal. Indeed, it also enables a borrower who expects to increase their salary substantially over the course of the loan to borrow more than they would have otherwise been able to afford, or investors to generate cash flow when they might not otherwise be able to. During the interest only years of the mortgage, the loan balance will not decrease unless the borrower makes additional payments towards principal. Under a conventional amortizing mortgage, the portion of a payment that represents principal is very small in the early years (the same period of time that would be interest only). Interest only loans represent a somewhat higher risk for lenders, and therefore are subject to a slightly higher interest rate. Combined with little or no down payment, the adjustable rate (ARM) variety of interest only mortgages are sometimes indicative of a buyer taking on too much risk- especially when that buyer is unlikely to qualify under more conservative loan structures.
Because a homeowner does not build any equity in an interest-only loan they may be adversely affected by prevailing market conditions at the time they are either ready to sell the house or refinance. They may find themselves unable to afford the higher regularly amortized payments at the end of the interest only period, unable to refinance due to lack of equity and unable to sell if demand for housing has weakened. Due to the speculative aspects of relying on home appreciation which may or may not happen, many financial experts such as Suze Orman advise against interest only loans for which a borrower would not otherwise qualify for.
Graduated Payments
Graduated Payments are repayment terms involving gradual increases in the payments on a closed-end obligation. A graduated payment loan typically involves negative amortization, and are intended for young people who currently have low income but foresee a greater future income. These terms are only offered when banks have reason to assume that the borrowers income will rise during the 10 year loan period.
**NOTICE: The above information is to be considered unreliable as to specifics. It is offered only to give a very general understanding. Seek the advice of an attorney, mortgage lender or realtor.
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Monthly Mortgage Payment Chart
MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT - at 100% Financing |
|||||||||
| Interest Rate | Home Price | ||||||||
| 100,000 | 150,000 | 200,000 | 250,000 | 300,000 | 350,000 | 400,000 | 450,000 | 500,000 | |
| 5.50% | 600.98 | 901.48 | 1201.97 | 1502.46 | 1802.95 | 2103.44 | 2403.95 | 2704.43 | 3004.92 |
| 5.75% | 613.61 | 920.42 | 1227.22 | 1534.03 | 1840.83 | 2147.64 | 2454.44 | 2761.25 | 3068.06 |
| 6.00% | 626.39 | 939.59 | 1252.79 | 1565.96 | 1879.18 | 2192.38 | 2505.57 | 2818.77 | 3131.97 |
| 6.25% | 639.33 | 958.99 | 1278.65 | 1598.32 | 1917.98 | 2237.64 | 2557.31 | 2876.97 | 3196.63 |
| 6.50% | 652.41 | 978.61 | 1304.81 | 1631.02 | 1957.22 | 2283.43 | 2609.63 | 2935.83 | 3262.04 |
| 6.75% | 665.63 | 998.45 | 1331.26 | 1664.08 | 1996.89 | 2329.71 | 2662.53 | 2995.34 | 3328.16 |
| 7.00% | 678.99 | 1018.49 | 1357.99 | 1697.49 | 2036.98 | 2376.48 | 2715.98 | 3055.97 | 3394.97 |
| 7.25% | 692.49 | 1038.74 | 1384.99 | 1731.23 | 2077.48 | 2423.73 | 2769.98 | 3116.22 | 3462.47 |
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Renting and Leasing
So you’ve decided to move... now what? Should you sell the home you have now and buy another in the Northwest? If so, is it better to do that now or after you’ve lived here a while? If waiting a while is better for your family you still have to have a place to live. Right? Welcome to the world of renting & leasing. It may have been years, back in college or when the kids were little, since you last rented your primary domicile and the “rules” may have changed some since then. So, here are a few guidelines that might help make it easier and safer for you.
Be Realistic About What You Can Afford.
Take into consideration the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water as well as other needs such as phone, cable TV, internet, etc. Many landlords expect a prospective tenant to earn at least 3x the monthly rent. Also will last month’s rent be required when you sign the rental agreement? How much will the deposit be?
Check Your Own Credit.
Most landlords will require that you pay a non-refundable screening fee when applying. It is in your best interest to know what’s on your report before then. It will also help you determine if you fit the criteria required by the landlord, before paying the screening fee. If you already know you won’t meet their criteria, then don’t waste your money or your time. Checking your own credit will also give you a chance to clean up any problems or discrepancies on your report before you actually start applying for places.
Go to www.EQUIFAX.com where, for a small fee, you can obtain a consumer copy of your credit report. You can choose to get a copy from all 3 National credit bureaus or one from EQUIFAX. Another information source you might want to check out is the Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws by The Federal Reserve at www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/consumerhdbk. This handbook explains how the consumer credit laws can help you shop for credit, apply for it, maintain your credit standing, and, if need be, complain about an unfair deal. This handbook also explains what you should look for when using credit, details what creditors look for before extending credit, and reviews the laws' solutions to discriminatory practices that have made it difficult for women and minorities to get credit.
Establish Your Needs.
Be aware of what you are looking for: How many bedrooms? How many baths? What are the amenities? Dishwasher? Laundry facilities? High speed internet hook-up? Can you have pets? What is the smoking policy? What utilities are included in the rent? What utilities are not? Is there reserved parking? If so, is there an additional monthly fee for parking? How much visitor parking is available? Is there additional storage available? If so, what is the monthly fee? By knowing what you are looking for ahead of time, and asking these and other questions, you’ll save yourself and prospective landlords a lot of time.
Know This Glossary Of Common Terms:
Dwelling Unit: a structure or part of a structure used as a home, residence or sleeping place by one or more persons maintaining a common household.
Single Family Residence: A structure used or maintained as a single unit, notwithstanding whether it shares one or more walls with another unit, if it has direct access to a street and shares neither heating facilities, hot water equipment, not any other essential facility or service with any other dwelling unit.
Landlord: The owner, lessor or sublessor of a dwelling unit or property of which it is a part, as well as a designated representative of a landlord.
Owner: A person (including business entities) with legal title to a property or beneficial ownership and a right to present use and enjoyment of a property.
Tenant: A person entitled to occupy a dwelling unit primarily for living or dwelling purposes under a rental agreement (would include an oral tenancy as well).
Month to Month: A month to month agreement is when either party (the tenant or the landlord) has the right to terminate the agreement with 20 days notice.
Term: A term agreement is for a set amount of time. It may be from 3 months to a year. After said period, the agreement may turn into a month to month or it may terminate.
Screening fees: A landlord can charge the prospective tenant fees to cover the costs of obtaining background information on the prospective tenant. Waiting list and fee: For desirable properties, some people put their names on a “waiting list” for available units. Waiting lists are legal, but prospective tenants may not be charged a fee to place their name on the list.
Holding agreement and deposit: Some landlords or managers, rather than having you sign a lease immediately upon acceptance, may wait (possibly until move-in day) to have you sign the actual lease. In such cases, you may be asked to sign a “holding agreement.” Holding Agreements are permitted providing that the landlord complies with it. Specifically, you must receive a written statement of the conditions under which the deposit is refundable.
In most cases this language is found on the application form. To comply with the law, you should receive a copy of the application.
If you take occupancy, the holding deposit must be credited toward the first month’s rent and/or the security deposit. If you fail to take occupancy, the landlord can keep the deposit in accordance with the written agreement.
Security or damage or cleaning or pet deposit: Deposits are to protect the landlord from any damages or unpaid utilities.
Deposits may not be “applied” to the last month’s rent. Deposits do not apply to normal wear and tear. Deposits should only be collected after doing a move-in inspection and with checklist signed by both the tenant and the landlord.
The RLTA (Residential Landlord Tenant Act) makes no distinction between security deposits, damage deposits, key deposits, pet deposits, or any other kind of deposit. The term “security deposit” is sufficient to describe any refundable monies held by the landlord during your tenancy. In taking a security deposit, the landlord must comply with. The refundable security deposit must be placed in a trust account separate from the landlord’s other funds. It should be identified in the account name as a tenant trust account. The rental agreement must include a statement of the bank and branch at which the deposit is kept. The landlord may keep the interest generated by the deposits. On sale or transfer of the property, the deposit must be transferred to the new owner.
Non-refundable fees (these are not deposits): Often charged for cleaning or pets. These fees must be specific and written as non-refundable fees in the agreement. Non-refundable fees cannot be referred to as “deposits.”
Search on-line for rental housing:
Try one of these Northwest rental service providers.
Pacific Publishing: Buddy Logan, (206) 461-1302, classrep@nwlink.com, pacificpublishingcompany.com, queenannenews.com, capitolhilltimes.com
MyNewPlace.com: Mike LaBrae, (415) 348-2004, mlabrae@mynewplace.com, www.MyNewPlace.com
Rent.com: Todd Katler, (866) 713-7368, toddk@rent.com, www.rent.com
Rent Great Space: Margie Freeman, (206) 786-2897, margie@rentgreatspace.com, RentGreatSpace.com
Seattle Times: Karen Quilantang, (206) 652-6619, karenq@seattletimes.com, www.nwapartments.com
Check Out Neighborhoods: Become familiar with the neighborhoods in which you are interested. Drive by during the day and during the evening to see if it’s an area where you’d be comfortable. How convenient are the things important to you (your child’s school, Starbucks, the bus line)? Is there adequate street parking?
Make an appointment and keep it. Some, but not all, properties have 24-hour onsite managers. Even for those buildings that do, you have to expect the manager to be away from the phone taking care of the property. Call ahead of time to schedule an appointment to see the unit that interests you. If you get voice mail or an answering machine, leave a message with your name and phone number, and which unit (by address) interests you. Keep in mind that the manager may not hear your message until the evening.
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Temporary Housing
Growing organizations must explore nationally and globally to successfully recruit top staff. Relocating staff members expect and deserve comfortable, quality interim housing for themselves and their families. Today there are many companies that have grown up to fill this need.
Several high quality corporate housing companies offer the perfect housing solution for short and extended-stay needs in the Northwest. Five-star service is provided in numerous locations and several have gained the confidence of the world’s leading corporations by providing quality interim housing and destination services time and time again. As a result of the commitment to exceed client expectations, they have earned the opportunity to serve as corporate housing suppliers to many of the world’s leading corporations.
Corporate housing offers the perfect choice for business and leisure travelers who want the comfort of a home-away-from-home atmosphere, and the amenities of a hotel. The Northwest’s corporate housing companies offer the comfort of a private apartment home. Each apartment is equipped with fine furnishings, house wares, telephone service, and cable television service. Many also provide the conveniences of weekly housekeeping and on-call concierge and maintenance services.
Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations reflective of each area’s character from downtown convenience to suburban lifestyle and minimum stays vary by location. These companies help make corporate relocations happen more smoothly, leaving transferees free to focus on settling into a new community and workplace.
Several have a range of housing choices, cost-effectiveness, convenient corporate services, and comfortable accommodations that make them an excellent choice for companies with relocating employees.
Several companies have the expertise to offer specialized sales and to provide housing solutions for a diverse clientele. They are equipped to serve unique groups, including corporate transferees, government and military officials, business and leisure travelers, insurance professionals and displaced homeowners, and above and below-the-line entertainment industry professionals.
Many Northwest companies take pride in serving those who serve our country offering an exceptional value in temporary housing for government and military personnel. This makes the per diem go further than at a hotel by providing fully furnished apartment homes, at the cost of a hotel room.
Customized housing packages to meet the needs of large and small groups in the entertainment sector are often available. And most can work within project budgets, and offer special rates for large groups. They have the experience with all aspects of the industry, including music, theatre, film and television.
Insurance industry needs are served by several companies providing temporary housing solutions for people in every aspect of the industry, from displaced policyholders to adjusters, catastrophe teams, restoration companies, emergency crews, and others.
Some companies include premier service apartments designed for international travelers who demand luxury and style. Located in prime center city locations, they combine sumptuous apartments with five-star hotel service, such as daily housekeeping, airport limousine pickup, and onsite restaurants with room service and they often accept both daily and extended stays.
Temporary corporate housing may be the best fit for you while you locate a permanent domicile in the Northwest.
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Home Improvement for Resale Success
If you plan on placing a "For Sale" sign in your front yard
soon, or even in a few months or years, you may want to consider how
putting some money into the house now will pay off later. Here we will
cover some of the most cost effective improvements you can make that
will raise the value when it comes time to list your home on the market.
One
of the hottest trends in home improvement features environmentally friendly
living, recycled products, high-tech innovation and "open
design" incorporated into the main living areas of your home,
such as the kitchen, den, dining area and/or the living room.
Kitchen
remodeling ranks first in popularity and in raising resale value. Kitchens
are being redesigned to accommodate more people, food preparation,
and storage. Space is being used more efficiently with rollout shelves,
lazy Susans, trash compactors, recessed lighting, and underground cook-top
venting. Many designs include dual work areas with separate sinks and
cutting areas or large granite "islands" doubling
as preparation and dining surfaces. Skylights, controlled lighting,
stainless steel appliances, and wine coolers can make the kitchen
an attractive setting for entertaining guests while preparing a meal.
Energy efficient appliances are being added to cut down on energy
costs and decrease cooking times.
Bathroom improvements are also extremely
popular with homeowners. Upgrading tired bathtubs with jetted tubs, gleaming
new sinks, faucets and countertops as well as natural stone flooring
is very popular in today's market.
The latest trend is, "everything old is new again." Old
houses might need updates, but leave the space's original character.
Antique doors, lighting, hardware, and floors can be preserved and
restored, even while adding the latest technology and materials. It
might be time to do away with the fake wood paneling in the basement,
but the wide-plank hardwood floors in the den can be refinished to
give an old room new glory.
Recycled products are also making their way
into home renovations; kitchen countertops can be made from recycled
aluminum, glass and even paper. Kitchen and bathroom sinks are made from
recycled aluminum and bronze. While recycled products have been around
for some time, there's been a surge in interest. Prices have come down
and aesthetics have improved.
There's also a growing interest in environmentally
friendly renovations that makes ecological and economic sense. Using
green products and systems can make your home more energy efficient,
improve indoor air quality, save money and make your house healthier.
Remodeling choices can include choosing eucalyptus woods, a fast-growing
tree with wood that can be used for flooring and for countertops, installing
water-saving devices in washers and toilets and choosing energy-saving
products from lighting to Energy Star appliances.
The cool, sleek look
of modern design is making way for a warmer, more inviting look. Stark
and sterile is out, people are looking for welcoming and comfortable
spaces. They don't want to feel like they're in a museum. Golden hues
are growing in popularity, and bright colors are taking a back
seat to more muted, natural colors and tones.
This is a great time for
home renovations. With sophisticated new appliances and the addition
of larger living areas, you can create beautiful, stress-relieving surroundings
while also saving you time and money. Banks are eager to make home equity
loans, and loan interest is tax deductible as well. Take the time to
find a reputable contractor. Do the research, talk to your friends, check
references, get several estimates, and most important, get the contract
in writing. These simple steps could keep your home from becoming a "money pit." And,
of course, the key to a great home renovation is making sure it fits
your needs; a redesigned space is only worthwhile if you'll use it.
Back to top
Financing Your Remodeling Project
Consider the following before you decide how to finance your home improvement project:
- Talk to lenders about your options.
- Know that lenders are concerned about income, debts, credit history and property value.
- Select the kind of lender with which you are most comfortable.
- Consider a secured loan when you want to borrow more money, get a lower interest rate or reduce taxes.
- Refinance an existing loan if you have enough equity and if the rates are two points lower now than when you initially borrowed the money.
- Use a home equity line of credit that is secured by your home so that your interest is tax deductible.
- Take out a home equity loan to get fixed rates and payments.
- Consider a homeowner loan that is secured by your property. Use a value added loan when the improvement you make will have a substantial impact on the market value of your home.
- Use funds from savings only if you won’t break the bank.
- Use credit cards only for small projects that you will be able to pay off quickly.
- Do your research before using contractor financing.
- Make your decision only after doing your homework.
- Agree to a home equity loan if you don’t have enough money to make the monthly payments.
- Sign any document you haven’t read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign.
- Let anyone pressure you into signing any document.
- Agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing loan terms.
- Deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust.
Back to top
American Cities Comparison Chart - 2007
The comparison is of a 2,200-square-foot house with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a family room and a two-car garage. The neighborhood - a more subjective measure - is one "typical for corporate middle-management transferees."
| State | City | Median Home Value |
| Washington | Bellevue | $763,667 |
| Washington | Everett | $349,000 |
| Washington | Olympia | $340,000 |
| Washington | Seattle | $555,839 |
| Washington | Tacoma | $375,750 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | $320,000 |
| California | Long Beach | $1,000,442 |
| California | San Diego | $618,750 |
| California | San Francisco | $1,451,250 |
| Colorado | Denver | $400,000 |
| District of Columbia | Washington | $808,500 |
| Florida | Orlando | $407,000 |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | $843,750 |
| Illinois | Chicago | $732,333 |
| Michigan | Detroit | $248,750 |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | $362,188 |
| New York | Long Island | $640,000 |
| Texas | Dallas | $302,198 |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | $408,125 |
Back to top
NW Home Value Comparison Chart
| NEIGHBORHOOD | Area | Avg Sq Ft | Value 2008 | Value 2007 | Value 2006 | Value 2005 | Value 2004 |
| KING COUNTY | |||||||
| Admiral | S Sea | 1590 | 541k | 520k | 480k | 420k | 370k |
| Alki | S Sea | 1590 | 527k | 515k | 480k | 410k | 360k |
| Arbor Heights | S Sea | 1440 | 392k | 420k | 365k | 320k | 277k |
| Atlantic | S Sea | 1389 | 370k | 370k | 327k | 265k | 250k |
| Auburn | S King | 1747 | 302k | 320k | 290k | 240k | 210k |
| Ballard | N Sea | 1170 | 399k | 470k | 438k | 387k | 335k |
| Ballard East | N Sea | 1390 | 475k | 465k | 430k | 380k | 320k |
| Ballard West | N Sea | 1310 | 400k | 475k | 440k | 400k | 335k |
| Beacon Hill North | S Sea | 1430 | 374k | 380k | 455k | 300k | 250k |
| Beacon Hill South | S Sea | 1510 | 365k | 365k | 340k | 280k | 250k |
| Bitter Lake | N Sea | 1450 | 354k | 378k | 345k | 300k | 260k |
| Black Diamond | S King | 2000 | 405k | 418k | 395k | 380k | 370k |
| Blue Ridge | N Sea | 2160 | 620k | 575k | 530k | 470k | 420k |
| Briarcliff | N Sea | 2190 | 809k | 825k | 780k | 650k | 600k |
| Brighton | S King | 1550 | 346k | 349k | 300k | 255k | 222k |
| Broadmoor | N Sea | 3220 | 1874k | 1700k | 1600k | 1500k | 1380k |
| Broadview | N Sea | 1880 | 484k | 430k | 400k | 355k | 310k |
| Broadway | N Sea | 970 | 406k | 395k | 360k | 305k | 275k |
| Bryant | N Sea | 1510 | 556k | 515k | 480k | 410k | 375k |
| Burien North | S King | 1550 | 336k | 340k | 300k | 255k | 230k |
| Capitol Hill | N Sea | 2140 | 689k | 500k | 452k | 399k | 352k |
| Cascade | N Sea | 1250 | 465k | 438k | 400k | 330k | 290k |
| Cedar Park | N Sea | 1870 | 510k | 525k | 480k | 410k | 355k |
| Central Area | N Sea | 1500 | 454k | 445k | 415k | 350k | 305k |
| Columbia City | S Sea | 1460 | 386k | 362k | 330k | 270k | 244k |
| Covington | S King | 1640 | 294k | 315k | 280k | 235k | 220k |
| Crown Hill | N Sea | 1370 | 408k | 402k | 380k | 322k | 283k |
| Delridge-North | S Sea | 1210 | 440k | 450k | 410k | 350k | 310k |
| Delridge-South | S Sea | 1160 | 293k | 315k | 275k | 240k | 210k |
| Denny-Blaine | S Sea | 2830 | 1553k | 1500k | 1390k | 1212k | 1005k |
| Denny-Triangle | S Core | 820 | 490k | 400k | 255k | 240k | 200k |
| Des Moines | S King | 1500 | 293k | 323k | 280k | 240k | 220k |
| Downtown Seattle | S Core | 1460 | 441k | 450k | 410k | 355k | 315k |
| Dunlap | S Sea | 1460 | 307k | 340k | 285k | 250k | 210k |
| Eastlake | S Core | 1108 | 480k | 458k | 450k | 350k | 325k |
| Enumclaw | S King | 1710 | 334k | 345k | 315k | 260k | 230k |
| Enumclaw Plateau | S King | 1980 | 420k | 448k | 415k | 405k | 390k |
| Fairmount Park | S Sea | 1460 | 419k | 425k | 395k | 340k | 286k |
| Fairwood | S King | 1730 | 320k | 335k | 315k | 300k | 280k |
| Fauntleroy | S Sea | 1570 | 512k | 550k | 500k | 435k | 375k |
| Federal Way | S King | 1710 | 291k | 320k | 280k | 240k | 210k |
| First Hill | S Core | 687 | 347k | 355k | 310k | 280k | 260k |
| Fremont | N Sea | 1440 | 490k | 495k | 460k | 385k | 342k |
| Garfield | E Sea | 1440 | 436k | 434k | 400k | 337k | 290k |
| Genesee | S Sea | 1400 | 417k | 415k | 380k | 320k | 285k |
| Georgetown | S Sea | 1210 | 310k | 315000 | 300k | 225k | 205k |
| Green Lake | N Sea | 1550 | 534k | 545k | 500k | 430k | 390k |
| Greenwood | N Sea | 1390 | 395k | 407k | 380k | 322k | 285k |
| Haller Lake | N Sea | 1450 | 382k | 364k | 335k | 290k | 260k |
| Hawthorne Hills | N Sea | 2090 | 820k | 685k | 610k | 525k | 455k |
| High Point | S Sea | 1460 | 355k | 348k | 315k | 260k | 225k |
| Highland Park | S Sea | 1240 | 303k | 325k | 285k | 245k | 210k |
| Hillman City | S Sea | 1340 | 341k | 345k | 310k | 252k | 224k |
| Hobart | S King | 2000 | 420k | 418k | 390k | 370k | 340k |
| Holly Park | S Sea | 1460 | 339k | 360k | 310k | 280k | 246k |
| Interbay | S Core | 1192 | 407k | 440k | 405k | 350k | 300k |
| International District | S Core | 618 | 301k | 320k | 250k | 225k | 270k |
| Jackson Place | S Core | 1392 | 390k | 395k | 345k | 328k | 260k |
| Jovita | S King | 1810 | 330k | 349k | 325k | 305k | 275k |
| Judkins Park | S Core | 1322 | 383k | 387k | 350k | 295k | 260k |
| Junction | S Sea | 1460 | 447k | 435k | 425k | 360k | 310k |
| Kent | S King | 1770 | 311k | 340k | 300k | 255k | 230k |
| Kent S.I.R. | S King | 2140 | 340k | 352k | 335k | 315k | 298k |
| Kent Suburbs | S King | 1990 | 405k | 420k | 400k | 385k | 370k |
| Kent West | S King | 1550 | 280k | 291k | 275k | 260k | 250k |
| Kentridge | S King | 1840 | 335k | 340k | 320k | 305k | 290k |
| Lake City | N King | 1560 | 380k | 392k | 375k | 360k | 355k |
| Lake Forest Park | N King | 2079 | 452k | 490k | 425k | 360k | 335k |
| Lake Morton | S King | 2140 | 345k | 352k | 340k | 330k | 315k |
| Lake Youngs | S King | 2233 | 460k | 478k | 460k | 430k | 410k |
| Lakewood | S Sea | 1576 | 486k | 502k | 450k | 400k | 335k |
| Laurelhurst | N Sea | 2510 | 987k | 930k | 870k | 750k | 675k |
| Lawton Park | N Sea | 1460 | 517k | 500k | 455k | 395k | 345k |
| Leschi | S Core | 1750 | 618k | 604k | 575k | 480k | 425k |
| Loyal Heights | N Sea | 1390 | 480k | 465k | 435k | 395k | 330k |
| Madison Park | N Sea | 2360 | 945k | 930k | 835k | 700k | 615k |
| Madrona | S Core | 1830 | 676k | 545k | 510k | 430k | 380k |
| Magnolia+A129 | N Sea | 1870 | 651k | 640k | 580k | 520k | 435k |
| Maple Leaf | N Sea | 1470 | 443k | 440k | 410k | 360k | 310k |
| Maple Valley | S King | 1970 | 360k | 390k | 315k | 280k | 255k |
| Matthews Beach | N Sea | 1870 | 509k | 518k | 482k | 418k | 355k |
| Meadowbrook | N Sea | 1610 | 437k | 430k | 390k | 342k | 300k |
| Meridian | S King | 1850 | 330k | 335k | 320k | 305k | 290k |
| Minor | S Core | 1200 | 452k | 425k | 395k | 340k | 295k |
| Montlake | N Sea | 2140 | 717k | 752k | 725k | 620k | 560k |
| Mount Baker | S Sea | 1700 | 653k | 628k | 600k | 505k | 440k |
| Normandy Park | S King | 2070 | 475k | 490k | 472k | 455k | 435k |
| North Beach | N Sea | 1970 | 591k | 615k | 560k | 495k | 450k |
| North City | N Sea | 1380 | 315k | 330k | 315k | 295k | 275k |
| North College Park | N Sea | 1310 | 373k | 390k | 360k | 310k | 270k |
| North Gate | N Sea | 1470 | 331k | 320k | 275k | 245k | 220k |
| Olympic Hills | N Sea | 1460 | 386k | 370k | 340k | 289k | 260k |
| Olympic Manor | N Sea | 2180 | 607k | 647k | 598k | 520k | 455k |
| Pacific | S King | 1680 | 285k | 299k | 280k | 265k | 250k |
| Panther Lake | S King | 1920 | 350k | 360k | 335k | 305k | 285k |
| Phinney Ridge | N Sea | 1440 | 521k | 500k | 470k | 415k | 355k |
| Pinehurst | N Sea | 1460 | 383k | 362k | 325k | 285k | 260k |
| Pioneer Square | S Core | 1249 | 522k | 440k | 405k | 385k | 340k |
| Portage Bay | S Core | 2150 | 745k | 740k | 700k | 600k | 590k |
| Queen Anne-Lower | N Sea | 1070 | 449k | 425k | 385k | 320k | 280k |
| Queen Anne-North | N Sea | 1775 | 631k | 605k | 560k | 480k | 415k |
| Queen Anne-West | N Sea | 1590 | 663k | 678k | 605k | 515k | 450k |
| Rainier Beach | S Sea | 1590 | 353k | 355k | 300k | 290k | 240k |
| Rainier Valley | S Sea | 1430 | 345k | 351k | 340k | 335k | 325k |
| Ravenna | N Sea | 1570 | 537k | 510k | 479k | 410k | 370k |
| Redondo | S King | 2100 | 345k | 353k | 340k | 315k | 295k |
| Renton Suburbs | S King | 1990 | 415k | 420k | 405k | 390k | 380k |
| Renton West | S King | 1580 | 305k | 320k | 310k | 290k | 270k |
| Richmond Beach | N King | 2420 | 550k | 562k | 540k | 510k | 480k |
| Richmond Highlands | N King | 1770 | 375k | 385k | 360k | 340k | 315k |
| Riverview | S Sea | 1460 | 338k | 350k | 315k | 240k | 223k |
| Roanoke | S Core | 1670 | 784k | 640k | 600k | 510k | 450k |
| Roosevelt | N Sea | 1420 | 476k | 495k | 452k | 400k | 355k |
| Roxhill | S Sea | 1100 | 328k | 342k | 310k | 275k | 240k |
| Sand Point | N Sea | 1950 | 651k | 660k | 560k | 465k | 410k |
| SeaTac | S King | 1400 | 282k | 289k | 260k | 220k | 200k |
| Seward Park | S Sea | 2000 | 552k | 530k | 480k | 425k | 355k |
| Sheridan Beach | N Sea | 2290 | 675k | 676k | 660k | 645k | 625k |
| Shoreline | N Sea | 1600 | 369k | 380k | 340k | 290k | 260k |
| Shorewood | S Sea | 2070 | 485k | 490k | 475k | 450k | 430k |
| Skyway | S King | 1580 | 315k | 320k | 305k | 285k | 255k |
| South Park | S Sea | 1210 | 272k | 280k | 250k | 200k | 180k |
| Star Lake | S King | 1750 | 295k | 308k | 285k | 260k | 250k |
| Sunset Hill | N Sea | 2160 | 565k | 540k | 496k | 440k | 380k |
| Tukwila | S King | 1330 | 283k | 295k | 260k | 223k | 190k |
| Twin Lakes | S King | 1630 | 275k | 285k | 260k | 240k | 220k |
| University District | N Sea | 1660 | 530k | 525k | 485k | 405k | 360k |
| Uptown-Seattle | S Core | 716 | 352k | 365k | 340k | 270k | 236k |
| Victory Heights | N Sea | 1420 | 398k | 380k | 375k | 320k | 290k |
| View Ridge | N Sea | 2290 | 672k | 615k | 560k | 469k | 420k |
| Wallingford | N Sea | 1540 | 561k | 570k | 525k | 460k | 410k |
| Waterfront | S Core | 1070 | 516k | 530k | 480k | 435k | 375k |
| Wedgwood | N Sea | 1570 | 493k | 478k | 440k | 386k | 342k |
| Westlake | S Core | 1049 | 434k | 440k | 370k | 330k | 282k |
| Westwood | S Sea | 1240 | 315k | 322k | 310k | 295k | 280k |
| White Center | S Sea | 1240 | 300k | 321k | 308k | 293k | 275k |
| Whittier Heights | N Sea | 1360 | 480k | 470k | 440k | 390k | 330k |
| Windermere | N Sea | 2510 | 795k | 595k | 535k | 475k | 410k |
| Woodmont | S King | 2100 | 345k | 353k | 340k | 325k | 290k |
| EASTSIDE METRO | |||||||
| Ames Lake | Eastside | 2400 | 560k | 574k | 560k | 540k | 515k |
| Beaux Arts Village | Eastside | 2700 | 1294k | 1050k | 997k | 750k | 675k |
| Bellevue North | Eastside | 1592 | 784k | 805k | 650k | 450k | 400k |
| Bellevue-Downtown | Eastside | 1410 | 608k | 650k | 525k | 400k | 350k |
| Bothell South | Eastside | 2030 | 480k | 485k | 470k | 450k | 425k |
| Bridal Trails | Eastside | 2240 | 706k | 700k | 595k | 500k | 400k |
| Carnation | Eastside | 1710 | 355k | 365k | 345k | 320k | 305k |
| Central Bellevue | Eastside | 2170 | 615k | 622k | 605k | 580k | 550k |
| Clyde Hill | Eastside | 3020 | 1100k | 1375k | 1050k | 950k | 850k |
| Coal Creek | Eastside | 2770 | 705k | 728k | 690k | 670k | 645k |
| Cottage Lake | Eastside | 2970 | 782k | 797k | 725k | 685k | 670k |
| Crossroads | Eastside | 1396 | 427k | 420k | 350k | 295k | 250k |
| Duval | Eastside | 2000 | 414k | 427k | 404k | 370k | 325k |
| Eastgate | Eastside | 2520 | 610k | 633k | 605k | 575k | 533k |
| Enatai | Eastside | 952 | 282k | 280k | 240k | 200k | 176k |
| Everest | Eastside | 1948 | 695k | 500k | 375k | 310k | 260k |
| Factoria | Eastside | 1060 | 299k | 295k | 245k | 200k | 169k |
| Fall City | Eastside | 1710 | 350k | 365k | 335k | 305k | 287k |
| Finn Hill | Eastside | 1760 | 395k | 415k | 380k | 360k | 349k |
| Hidden Valley | Eastside | 1500 | 709k | 700k | 560k | 400k | 365k |
| Highlands | Eastside | 1920 | 595k | 605k | 520k | 425k | 355k |
| Hollywood Hill | Eastside | 2320 | 630k | 651k | 615k | 587k | 528k |
| Houghton | Eastside | 2250 | 740k | 720k | 650k | 550k | 480k |
| Hunts Point | Eastside | 3020 | 1050k | 1375k | 950k | 850k | 790k |
| Inglewood | Eastside | 2390 | 605k | 664k | 615k | 570k | 530k |
| Interlake | Eastside | 1940 | 522k | 520k | 470k | 365k | 340k |
| Issaquah | Eastside | 2040 | 510k | 540k | 460k | 400k | 350k |
| Juanita-North | Eastside | 1237 | 364k | 380k | 325k | 275k | 245k |
| Junita-South | Eastside | 1355 | 387k | 415k | 350k | 300k | 246k |
| Kenmore | Eastside | 1930 | 426k | 465k | 400k | 340k | 300k |
| Kenmore South | Eastside | 1760 | 395k | 415k | 390k | 370k | 315k |
| Kennydale | Eastside | 2360 | 705k | 740k | 695k | 650k | 590k |
| Kingsgate | Eastside | 1780 | 405k | 425k | 390k | 360k | 305k |
| Kirkland Downtown | Eastside | 2230 | 1066k | 1100k | 900k | 790k | 640k |
| Kirkland East | Eastside | 1860 | 505k | 517k | 502k | 475k | 425k |
| Lake Hills | Eastside | 1740 | 444k | 465k | 410k | 385k | 278k |
| Lake Sammamish | Eastside | 2390 | 575k | 595k | 570k | 560k | 525k |
| Lake View | Eastside | 1660 | 757k | 745k | 670k | 580k | 490k |
| Lakemont | Eastside | 3070 | 828k | 835k | 800k | 675k | 600k |
| Lower West Ridge | Eastside | 1607 | 442k | 452k | 400k | 325k | 285k |
| Maplewood | Eastside | 1870 | 420k | 428k | 415k | 390k | 375k |
| Medina | Eastside | 3020 | 1150k | 1375k | 1200k | 990k | 920k |
| Mercer Island | Eastside | 2660 | 954k | 900k | 880k | 720k | 620k |
| Meydenbauer | Eastside | 2120 | 839k | 755k | 675k | 575k | 470k |
| Mirrormont | Eastside | 2490 | 560k | 580k | 570k | 523k | 490k |
| Moss Bay | Eastside | 1197 | 502k | 510k | 450k | 375k | 320k |
| Newcastle | Eastside | 2370 | 558k | 600k | 550k | 425k | 375k |
| Newport Hills | Eastside | 2040 | 475k | 510k | 455k | 430k | 335k |
| Newport Shores | Eastside | 2360 | 790k | 910k | 805k | 710k | 650k |
| Norkirk | Eastside | 1785 | 678k | 675k | 590k | 465k | 410k |
| Novelty Hill | Eastside | 2400 | 543k | 573k | 530k | 505k | 464k |
| Overlake | Eastside | 1558 | 474k | 510k | 420k | 350k | 300k |
| Phantom Lake | Eastside | 2050 | 522k | 545k | 575k | 400k | 340k |
| Preston | Eastside | 2480 | 555k | 574k | 545k | 505k | 425k |
| Queensgate | Eastside | 1780 | 419k | 425k | 402k | 370k | 323k |
| Redmond | Eastside | 2020 | 525k | 540k | 460k | 375k | 340k |
| Redmond North | Eastside | 2320 | 639k | 651k | 640k | 575k | 505k |
| Reinwood Leota | Eastside | 2130 | 658k | 675k | 625k | 525k | 475k |
| Renton | Eastside | 1730 | 343k | 343k | 320k | 265k | 240k |
| Renton Highlands | Eastside | 1680 | 330k | 370k | 335k | 295k | 265k |
| Robinswood | Eastside | 1550 | 442k | 455k | 400k | 340k | 280k |
| Rose Hill- North | Eastside | 1690 | 462k | 490k | 420k | 350k | 294k |
| Rose Hill- South | Eastside | 1720 | 487k | 500k | 440k | 350k | 294k |
| Sammamish | Eastside | 2560 | 610k | 645k | 550k | 475k | 405k |
| Sammamish Plateau | Eastside | 1560 | 634k | 651k | 623k | 593k | 544k |
| Snoqualmie Valley | Eastside | 2000 | 417k | 427k | 390k | 356k | 323k |
| Snoqualmie West | Eastside | 2480 | 561k | 574k | 553k | 465k | 414k |
| Somerset | Eastside | 2720 | 694k | 720k | 635k | 530k | 500k |
| Tam O Shanter | Eastside | 2110 | 553k | 565k | 505k | 400k | 355k |
| Totem Lake | Eastside | 958 | 244k | 240k | 180k | 150k | 134k |
| Upper West Ridge | Eastside | 1970 | 443k | 465k | 410k | 350k | 288k |
| Vasa | Eastside | 2030 | 535k | 555k | 505k | 410k | 350k |
| Wedge | Eastside | 1990 | 448k | 490k | 425k | 350k | 279k |
| Wellington East | Eastside | 2470 | 575k | 625k | 575k | 500k | 425k |
| Wellington West | Eastside | 2240 | 532k | 600k | 525k | 400k | 381k |
| West Lake Sammamish | Eastside | 2890 | 1236k | 1180k | 1050k | 1000k | 825k |
| Wilburton | Eastside | 2020 | 582k | 600k | 570k | 435k | 365k |
| Woodinville | Eastside | 2400 | 553k | 580k | 525k | 425k | 380k |
| Woodinville Town Center | Eastside | 812 | 233k | 200k | 155k | 155k | 155k |
| Woodridge | Eastside | 2010 | 560k | 605k | 510k | 435k | 350k |
| Yarrow Point | Eastside | 3020 | 1189k | 1375k | 1045k | 998k | 850k |
| PIERCE COUNTY | |||||||
| Bonney Lake | N Pierce | 1771 | 282k | 300k | 270 | 220k | 185k |
| Brookdale | S Pierce | 1561 | 230k | 245k | 220k | 195k | 180k |
| Buckley | N Pierce | 2029 | 319k | 345k | 313k | 287k | 254k |
| Canyon | S Pierce | 1558 | 147k | 154k | 139k | 125k | 119k |
| Dupont | S Pierce | 1548 | 259k | 265k | 247k | 230k | 202k |
| Eatonville | S Pierce | 1657 | 260k | 275k | 255k | 222k | 201k |
| Edgewood | N Pierce | 2092 | 350k | 370k | 320k | 260k | 220k |
| Fife | N Pierce | 1710 | 287k | 294k | 275k | 258k | 231k |
| Fox Island | S Pierce | 1556 | 438k | 457k | 435k | 390k | 375k |
| Gig Harbor North | N Pierce | 2305 | 475k | 495k | 457k | 421k | 398k |
| Gig Harbor South | N Pierce | 1881 | 342k | 357k | 336k | 313k | 297k |
| Graham | S Pierce | 1741 | 248k | 258k | 230k | 200k | 171k |
| Lake Tapps | N Pierce | 2247 | 411k | 440k | 380k | 320k | 260k |
| Lakebay | N Pierce | 1207 | 179k | 198k | 181k | 172k | 165k |
| Lakewood | S Pierce | 1676 | 253k | 265k | 242k | 202k | 178k |
| Lakewood East | S Pierce | 1368 | 219k | 230k | 207k | 189k | 168k |
| Milton | N Pierce | 1305 | 239k | 249k | 232k | 197k | 181k |
| Orting | S Pierce | 2563 | 272k | 283k | 261k | 223k | 197k |
| Parkland | S Pierce | 1302 | 199k | 207k | 188k | 169k | 162k |
| Purdy | N Pierce | 1649 | 272k | 277k | 232k | 203k | 184k |
| Puyallup | N Pierce | 1808 | 265k | 282k | 250k | 215k | 190k |
| Puyallup East | N Pierce | 1519 | 269k | 277k | 257k | 234k | 207k |
| Puyallup West | N Pierce | 1593 | 277k | 282k | 269k | 224k | 197k |
| Roy | S Pierce | 2013 | 305k | 320k | 299k | 269k | 208k |
| South Hill North | S Pierce | 1669 | 260k | 272k | 257k | 243k | 207k |
| South Hill South | S Pierce | 1818 | 269k | 280k | 257k | 229k | 201k |
| Spanaway | S Pierce | 1600 | 227k | 235k | 220k | 185k | 160k |
| Steilacoom | S Pierce | 1554 | 282k | 289k | 267k | 231k | 204k |
| Sumner | N Pierce | 1530 | 254k | 250k | 225k | 195k | 168k |
| Tacoma Central | S Tac | 1393 | 223k | 230k | 200k | 165k | 140k |
| Tacoma Downtown | Tac Core | 1400 | 265k | 265k | 220k | 200k | 158k |
| Tacoma Eastside | E Tac | 1314 | 194k | 210k | 180k | 150k | 132k |
| Tacoma Northeast | NE Tac | 1920 | 334k | 360k | 320k | 270k | 238k |
| Tacoma Northend | N Tac | 1701 | 313k | 325k | 300k | 260k | 220k |
| Tacoma South End | S Tac | 1354 | 201k | 215k | 190k | 160k | 140k |
| Tacoma Westend | W Tac | 1604 | 287k | 285k | 265k | 220k | 190k |
| University Place East | W Pierce | 1695 | 297k | 307k | 287k | 245k | 229k |
| University Place West | W Pierce | 1970 | 321k | 338k | 310k | 260k | 230k |
| Waller | N Pierce | 1562 | 261k | 277k | 252k | 228k | 201k |
| SNOHOMISH COUNTY | |||||||
| Arlington | N Sno | 1461 | 297k | 304k | 281k | 256k | 217k |
| Bayside | S Sno | 1432 | 261k | 280k | 240k | 200k | 178k |
| Beverly Park | S Sno | 1344 | 299k | 305k | 281k | 253k | 220k |
| Bothell North | S Sno | 2079 | 550k | 570k | 535k | 505k | 475k |
| Bothell West | S Sno | 1410 | 390k | 420k | 400k | 370k | 345k |
| Boulevard Bluffs | S Sno | 2529 | 566k | 560k | 510k | 475k | 380k |
| Brier | S Sno | 1410 | 399k | 410k | 370k | 339k | 308k |
| Cascade View | S Sno | 1231 | 275k | 285k | 255k | 210k | 188k |
| Casino Corner | S Sno | 1288 | 302k | 315k | 297k | 267k | 226k |
| Clearview | S Sno | 1904 | 529k | 537k | 519k | 449k | 419k |
| Darrington | N Sno | 1039 | 159k | 172k | 165k | 149k | 142k |
| Delta | S Sno | 1088 | 246k | 250k | 220k | 180k | 160k |
| Edmonds | S Sno | 1560 | 410k | 405k | 365k | 320k | 275k |
| Everett | S Sno | 1401 | 301k | 312k | 270k | 222k | 200k |
| Everett Mall South | S Sno | 1292 | 298k | 295k | 270k | 220k | 210k |
| Everett Northwest | S Sno | 1401 | 307k | 325k | 280k | 240k | 210k |
| Everett South | S Sno | 1344 | 297k | 305k | 281k | 257k | 234k |
| Everett West | S Sno | 1812 | 474k | 483k | 461k | 417k | 387k |
| Evergreen | S Sno | 1204 | 290k | 290k | 255k | 210k | 189k |
| Fairmount | S Sno | 1288 | 292k | 298k | 272k | 237k | 201k |
| Glacier View | S Sno | 1400 | 280k | 290k | 260k | 215k | 185k |
| Gold Bar | S Sno | 1076 | 221k | 269k | 251k | 232k | 198k |
| Granite Falls | S Sno | 1206 | 231k | 266k | 243k | 197k | 176k |
| Harborview-Seahurst | S Sno | 1690 | 360k | 370k | 330k | 280k | 248k |
| Holly | S Sno | 1288 | 276k | 280k | 245k | 200k | 180k |
| Intercity | S Sno | 1288 | 289k | 298k | 275k | 242k | 217k |
| Lake Stevens | S Sno | 1536 | 314k | 330k | 285k | 240k | 218k |
| Lake Stickney | S Sno | 1542 | 379k | 390k | 361k | 310k | 267k |
| Lowell | S Sno | 1386 | 286k | 288k | 245k | 210k | 195k |
| Lynnwood | S Sno | 1400 | 345k | 348k | 310k | 260k | 230k |
| Lynnwood West | S Sno | 1494 | 359k | 370k | 337k | 297k | 262k |
| Maltby | S Sno | 1904 | 521k | 537k | 519k | 479k | 417k |
| Martha Lake | S Sno | 1632 | 408k | 417k | 398k | 369k | 321k |
| Marysville | S Sno | 1286 | 259k | 270k | 245k | 209k | 187k |
| Mill Creek | S Sno | 2199 | 435k | 455k | 400k | 350k | 325k |
| Mill Creek South | S Sno | 1517 | 420k | 431k | 402k | 367k | 321k |
| Monroe | S Sno | 1578 | 323k | 345k | 290k | 240k | 220k |
| Mountlake Terrace | S Sno | 1186 | 304k | 300k | 260k | 235k | 210k |
| Mukilteo | S Sno | 2009 | 467k | 465k | 425k | 350k | 320k |
| Mulilteo North | S Sno | 1812 | 469k | 483k | 464k | 397k | 357k |
| Norma Beach | S Sno | 1536 | 381k | 393k | 367k | 327k | 298k |
| North Creek | S Sno | 2079 | 555k | 570k | 549k | 501k | 471k |
| Osborn Corner | S Sno | 2236 | 404k | 420k | 391k | 367k | 321k |
| Paine Field | S Sno | 1262 | 292k | 302k | 277k | 221k | 201k |
| Pinehurst | S Sno | 1269 | 274k | 280k | 250k | 200k | 182k |
| Port Gardner | S Sno | 1487 | 282k | 295k | 250k | 210k | 188k |
| Riverside | S Sno | 1232 | 250k | 260k | 220k | 180k | 166k |
| Silver Lake | S Sno | 1636 | 357k | 370k | 325k | 270k | 240k |
| Snohomish | S Sno | 1868 | 419k | 420k | 370k | 305k | 250k |
| Snohomish Valley | S Sno | 1461 | 301k | 320k | 290k | 271k | 252k |
| South Forest Park | S Sno | 1488 | 293k | 320k | 280k | 220k | 193k |
| Stanwood | N Sno | 1547 | 321k | 339k | 317k | 297k | 267k |
| Sultan | S Sno | 1161 | 252k | 260k | 242k | 217k | 201k |
| Tulalip | S Sno | 1195 | 246k | 262k | 220k | 185k | 162k |
| Valley View- Madison | S Sno | 1452 | 321k | 340k | 300k | 255k | 220k |
| Westmont | S Sno | 1072 | 225k | 200k | 190k | 180k | 162k |
| Woodway | S Sno | 1503 | 411k | 420k | 401k | 376k | 332k |
| THURSTON COUNTY | |||||||
| Bigelow | N Thurs | 1704 | 269k | 260k | 245k | 205k | 185k |
| Bigelow Highlands | N Thurs | 1248 | 231k | 228k | 220k | 175k | 145k |
| Burbank | N Thurs | 1562 | 260k | 252k | 250k | 200k | 163k |
| Cain Road | N Thurs | 2126 | 317k | 310k | 310k | 250k | 215k |
| Carlyon | N Thurs | 1536 | 284k | 270k | 250k | 210k | 171k |
| East Bay Drive | N Thurs | 1889 | 365k | 300k | 280k | 230k | 200k |
| Fain Park | N Thurs | 1310 | 242k | 215k | 208k | 180k | 152k |
| Goldcrest | N Thurs | 2172 | 335k | 330k | 320k | 260k | 230k |
| Governor Stevens | N Thurs | 1934 | 317k | 297k | 293k | 258k | 200k |
| Indian Creek | N Thurs | 1476 | 248k | 232k | 222k | 184k | 157k |
| Lacey | N Thurs | 1627 | 243k | 238k | 225k | 185k | 159k |
| North East | N Thurs | 1410 | 243k | 238k | 228k | 185k | 160k |
| Northwest | N Thurs | 1371 | 250k | 240k | 230k | 180k | 156k |
| Olympia Downtown | N Thurs | 1553 | 263k | 260k | 247k | 205k | 185k |
| Olympia East | N Thurs | 1614 | 249k | 255k | 242k | 217k | 201k |
| Olympia Henderson | N Thurs | 1630 | 269k | 276k | 264k | 237k | 204k |
| Olympia North Budd | N Thurs | 1387 | 237k | 246k | 229k | 207k | 187k |
| Olympia South | S Thurs | 1712 | 279k | 283k | 256k | 221k | 199k |
| Olympia Southeast | S Thurs | 1506 | 249k | 253k | 227k | 203k | 189k |
| Olympia West | N Thurs | 1584 | 273k | 282k | 260k | 237k | 217k |
| Rainier | E Thurs | 1739 | 231k | 240k | 223k | 201k | 187k |
| Rochester | S Thurs | 1577 | 227k | 235k | 209k | 181k | 164k |
| South Capitol | N Thurs | 1888 | 385k | 335k | 330k | 280k | 230k |
| South Westside | N Thurs | 1488 | 260k | 242k | 238k | 190k | 159k |
| Tenino | S Thurs | 1242 | 187k | 200k | 178k | 169k | 149k |
| Tumwater | S Thurs | 1630 | 250k | 235k | 232k | 190k | 159k |
| Upper Eastside | N Thurs | 1242 | 227k | 225k | 210k | 170k | 144k |
| Wellington West | N Thurs | 1912 | 306k | 290k | 284k | 238k | 210k |
| Wildwood | N Thurs | 1575 | 293k | 270k | 260k | 215k | 190k |
| Yelm | E Thurs | 1550 | 201k | 216k | 197k | 179k | 167k |
Data in this chart is for general trending purposes and is not to be relied upon for technical analysis or business purposes.
It has been compiled from:
www.nwrealestate.com/nwrpub
www.trulia.com/city/WA
www.zillow.com/real-estate/WA
Back to top
NW Cities Comparison Chart
| Government | Population | Median Age | Schools State Test Result | Typical Family Income | Sales Tax % Rate | Mkt Temp | Typical House List | Typical House Sale | Typical Property Tax Rate | Typical Rent | Typical Commute |
| Algona | 2695 | 34.3 | Average | 52,462 | 8.8 | Warm | 262,165 | 248,505 | 11.09152 | 781 | 25 min |
| Arlington | 15,430 | 31.6 | Above | 51,941 | 8.5 | Fire | 407,309 | 296,066 | 10.4548 | 836 | 27 min |
| Auburn | 48955 | 34.1 | Average | 52,008 | 8.8 | Fire | 366,800 | 366,605 | 12.23645 | 739 | 23 min |
| Beaux Arts Village | 300 | 49.1 | Well Above | 110,038 | 8.8 | Cool | 599,000 | 610,700 | 7.95251 | 1183 | 10 min |
| Bellevue | 121,036 | 38.2 | Well Above | 76,976 | 8.8 | Fire | 852,171 | 662,841 | 7.73807 | 1192 | 20 min |
| Black Diamond | 4,085 | 35.7 | Above | 73,038 | 8.4 | Hot | 428,466 | 412,770 | 10.25804 | 978 | 38 min |
| Bonney Lake | 15,230 | 33.2 | Above | 64,820 | 8.8 | Fire | 395,954 | 355,674 | 13.3838 | 950 | 34 min |
| Bothell | 31,690 | 36 | Well Above | 71,973 | 8.8/8.9 | Fire | 514,643 | 413,072 | 10.47242 | 1048 | 24 min |
| Brier | 6,480 | 37.4 | Above | 88,481 | 8.9 | Hot | 423,700 | 434,447 | 9.5603 | 1225 | 31.min |
| Buckley | 4,535 | 36.4 | Above | 66,323 | 8.4 | Hot | 357,510 | 300,127 | 12.9322 | 741 | 33 min |
| Burien | 31080 | 38.4 | Below | 53,814 | 8.8 | Hot | 446,069 | 347,919 | 11.59312 | 766 | 25 min |
| Carbonado | 666 | 30.1 | Above | 55,909 | 7.8 | Cool | 237,000 | 169,000 | 12.4667 | 738 | 30 min |
| Carnation | 1900 | 31.6 | Above | 69,579 | 8.4 | Hot | 539,917 | 523,403 | 10.07475 | 932 | 34 min |
| Clyde Hill | 2795 | 44.9 | Well Above | 150,237 | 8.8 | Warm | 1,886,495 | 1,799,263 | 7.21797 | 1950 | 20 min |
| Covington | 17240 | 32.1 | Above | 65,173 | 8.4 | Hot | 350,422 | 343,102 | 11.78884 | 1108 | 34 min |
| Darrington | 1,465 | 38.2 | Well Below | 44,063 | 8.5 | Warm | 215,412 | 186,994 | 11.199 | 685 | 33 min |
| Des Moines | 29020 | 37 | Below | 57,003 | 8.8 | Hot | 537,488 | 311,898 | 12.02302 | 805 | 27 min |
| DuPont | 6,610 | 32 | Above | 57,202 | 8.8 | Hot | 290,184 | 300,156 | 10.083 | 1175 | 23 min |
| Duvall | 5735 | 32.6 | Above | 78,745 | 8.4 | Hot | 571,866 | 463,334 | 10.69048 | 829 | 36 min |
| Eatonville | 2,385 | 34.5 | Below | 53,730 | 7.8 | Hot | 296,932 | 273,653 | 9.5309 | 741 | 36 min |
| Edgewood | 9,510 | 39.3 | Above | 64,174 | 8.8 | Warm | 524,197 | 478,956 | 12.8847 | 820 | 26 min |
| Edmonds | 40,360 | 42 | Above | 68,803 | 8.9 | Fire | 615,676 | 438,529 | 10.0529 | 879 | 28 min |
| Enumclaw | 11,500 | 35.1 | Average | 62,339 | 8.4 | Hot | 570,644 | 375,043 | 10.27412 | 767 | 34 min |
| Everett | 101,100 | 32.2 | Below | 46,743 | 8.6 | Fire | 383,378 | 314,678 | 11.9989 | 787 | 27 min |
| Fall City (uninc.) | 5,237 | 39.5 | Well Above | 75,690 | 8.4 | Fire | 355,500 | 315,300 | 900 | 27 min | |
| Federal Way | 86,530 | 32.5 | Above | 56,259 | 8.8 | Fire | 327,430 | 291,034 | 11.38107 | 837 | 30 min |
| Fife | 6,135 | 29.4 | Above | 36,250 | 8.8 | Warm | 342,477 | 278,505 | 12.68 | 683 | 25 min |
| Fircrest | 6,260 | 41.8 | Below | 61,611 | 8.8 | Warm | 354,168 | 357,168 | 13.4424 | 803 | 24 min |
| Gig Harbor | 6,765 | 44.6 | Well Above | 67,299 | 8.4 | Fire | 490,702 | 424,336 | 10.5705 | 895 | 30 min |
| Gold Bar | 2,125 | 30.6 | Average | 49,489 | 8.5 | Hot | 237,812 | 247,238 | 12.0865 | 800 | 46 min |
| Granite Falls | 3,095 | 29.9 | Below | 56,194 | 8.5 | Hot | 271,264 | 227,417 | 13.0782 | 772 | 37 min |
| Hunts Point | 480 | 44.9 | Well Above | 200,001 | 8.8 | Cool | 3-5,000,000 | 3-5,000,000 | 6.49739 | 1288 | 20 min |
| Index | 155 | 39.5 | Average | 42,351 | 8.5 | Cool | 193,448 | 179,825 | 8.8238 | 693 | 31 min |
| Issaquah | 19570 | 37 | Well Above | 88,962 | 8.8 | Fire | 702,950 | 501,209 | 9.97719 | 1273 | 25 min |
| Kenmore | 19680 | 37.5 | Well Above | 72,696 | 8.8 | Hot | 651,900 | 567,127 | 11.34833 | 1150 | 29 min |
| Kent | 86,607 | 31.8 | Average | 57,754 | 8.8 | Fire | 391,855 | 350,927 | 11.8517 | 824 | 29 min |
| Kirkland | 47180 | 36.1 | Well Above | 73,395 | 8.8 | Fire | 777,955 | 545,610 | 8.98991 | 1072 | 22 min |
| Lacey | 34060 | 34.2 | Above | 52,911 | 8.4 | Hot | 328,352 | 285,187 | 13.119 | 761 | 25 min |
| Lake Forest Park | 12770 | 42.1 | Well Above | 84,316 | 8.8 | Hot | 552,920 | 460,677 | 11.38314 | 1036 | 27 min |
| Lake Stevens | 9,650 | 31.7 | Above | 68,250 | 8.5 | Fire | 476,122 | 389,409 | 11.2623 | 1044 | 30 min |
| Lakewood | 60,000 | 35 | Below | 51,922 | 8.8 | Fire | 342,259 | 330,824 | 13.0676 | 750 | 25 min |
| Lynnwood | 35,230 | 34.9 | Above | 57,570 | 8.9 | Fire | 464,562 | 409,331 | 9.6504 | 841 | 28 min |
| Maple Valley | 19140 | 32.3 | Well Above | 72,653 | 8.4 | Fire | 433,523 | 397,463 | 11.66122 | 923 | 37 min |
| Marysville | 32,150 | 33 | Below | 55,796 | 8.5 | Fire | 388,051 | 296,212 | 10.1554 | 824 | 27 min |
| Medina | 2945 | 42.9 | Well Above | 149,637 | 8.8 | Warm | 3-5,000,000 | 3-5,000,000 | 7.47224 | 1825 | 20 min |
| Mercer Island | 21,860 | 44.3 | Well Above | 112,349 | 8.8 | Hot | 1,557,905 | 1,178,966 | 7.49721 | 1547 | 20 min |
| Mill Creek | 17,460 | 38.6 | Above | 87,263 | 8.9 | Fire | 437,792 | 417,445 | 11.0331 | 994 | 31 min |
| Milton | 6490 | 37.8 | Above | 61,372 | 8.8 | Hot | 380,045 | 328,659 | 10.84477 | 877 | 28 min |
| Monroe | 16,170 | 31.2 | Average | 55,793 | 8.5 | Fire | 411,579 | 347,983 | 10.7089 | 955 | 31 min |
| Mountlake Terrace | 20,390 | 33.5 | Average | 52,492 | 8.9 | Hot | 329,946 | 299,272 | 10.1687 | 933 | 28 min |
| Mukilteo | 19,620 | 36.5 | Above | 79,487 | 8.9 | Fire | 621,485 | 488,644 | 10.5281 | 949 | 28 min |
| Newcastle | 9175 | 36.4 | Well Above | 67,417 | 8.8 | Hot | 836,096 | 750,584 | 10.60149 | 1225 | 26 min |
| Normandy Park | 6415 | 45.5 | Below | 78,102 | 8.8 | Hot | 641,922 | 608,796 | 11.25668 | 950 | 22 min |
| North Bend | 4685 | 34.5 | Well Above | 73,324 | 8.4 | Fire | 515,645 | 435,070 | 10.60586 | 1101 | 31 min |
| Olympia | 43,740 | 35.3 | Above | 49,283 | 8.4 | Hot | 425,658 | 316,222 | 13.119 | 710 | 21 min |
| Orting | 5,560 | 30.2 | Below | 55,335 | 8.8 | Fire | 327,791 | 285,535 | 11.0428 | 785 | 36 min |
| Pacific | 5940 | 30.7 | Average | 47,694 | 8.8 | Warm | 327,791 | 314,182 | 13.24 | 814 | 28 min |
| Puyallup | 36,360 | 34.1 | Above | 58,991 | 8.8 | Fire | 351,443 | 321,667 | 13.0193 | 802 | 27 min |
| Redmond | 49890 | 34 | Well Above | 81,479 | 8.8 | Fire | 657,991 | 553,959 | 8.81462 | 1121 | 21 min |
| Renton | 58360 | 34 | Below | 61,933 | 8.8 | Fire | 456,612 | 366,689 | 10.93982 | 916 | 28 min |
| Roy | 875 | 34 | Average | 51,862 | 7.8 | Hot | 347,735 | 242,499 | 11.9564 | 829 | 23 min |
| Ruston | 746 | 39.4 | Below | 54,167 | 8.8 | Cool | 360,477 | 275,642 | 12.906 | 769 | 31 min |
| Sammamish | 39730 | 35.3 | Well Above | 104,356 | 8.8 | Fire | 873,547 | 701,337 | 10.8621 | 1221 | 30 min |
| SeaTac | 25230 | 33.9 | Below | 47,630 | 8.8 | Hot | 441,030 | 285,804 | 11.18953 | 755 | 24 min |
| Seattle | 578700 | 35.4 | Average | 62,195 | 8.8 | Fire | 583,243 | 480,749 | 9.2796 | 958 | 25 min |
| Shoreline | 53,298 | 39.3 | Above | 75,231 | 8.8 | Hot | 325,000 | 312,457 | 12.02865 | 1006 | 27 min |
| Skykomish | 210 | 45.9 | Average | 48,500 | 8.4 | Cool | 199,333 | 182,375 | 6.78287 | 725 | 33 min |
| Snohomish (City) | 8,920 | 34.2 | Above | 67,944 | 8.5 | Fire | 506,391 | 463,849 | 11.6164 | 771 | 29 min |
| Snoqualmie | 7815 | 32.1 | Above | 65,763 | 8.4 | Fire | 567,683 | 520,697 | 11.2613 | 913 | 25 min |
| South Prairie | 440 | 32.4 | Average | 56,250 | 7.8 | Cool | 200,000 | 184,442 | 13.6144 | 894 | 29 min |
| Stanwood | 4,940 | 33.9 | Above | 60,940 | 8.5 | Fire | 545,433 | 356,427 | 10.7282 | 752 | 29 min |
| Steilacoom | 6,200 | 38.1 | Above | 60,815 | 8.8 | Hot | 461,524 | 413,303 | 11.4744 | 779 | 26 min |
| Sultan | 4,440 | 32.2 | Average | 53,892 | 8.5 | Warm | 239,970 | 237,702 | 11.8571 | 756 | 36 min |
| Sumner | 9,025 | 35.4 | Above | 42,602 | 8.8 | Fire | 439,380 | 305,278 | 12.6581 | 720 | 28 min |
| Tacoma | 199,600 | 33.9 | Below | 45,567 | 8.8 | Fire | 315,775 | 277,667 | 15.0231 | 681 | 25 min |
| Tukwila | 17930 | 33.4 | Well Below | 42,442 | 8.8 | Hot | 349,804 | 310,953 | 13.9304 | 797 | 26 min |
| Tumwater | 13100 | 36.2 | Above | 54,156 | 8.4 | Hot | 348,366 | 303,500 | 11.44 | 703 | 19 min |
| University Place | 31,140 | 36.5 | Well Above | 62,810 | 8.8 | Fire | 388,827 | 358,439 | 818 | 26 min | |
| West Seattle | 58709 | 35 | Average | 62,195 | 8.8 | Fire | 583,243 | 480,749 | 9.2796 | 858 | 23 min |
| Wilkeson | 450 | 35.1 | Average | 46,875 | 7.8 | Cool | 191,789 | 160,433 | 12.1992 | 855 | 35 min |
| Woodinville | 10350 | 35.7 | Well Above | 88,272 | 8.8 | Fire | 807,408 | 628,894 | 11.11063 | 999 | 26 min |
| Woodway | 1,165 | 46.8 | Above | 109,428 | 8.9 | Warm | 1,320,997 | 1,146,667 | 9.0022 | 975 | 26 min |
| Yarrow Point | 970 | 44.8 | Well Above | 138,721 | 8.8 | Cool | 1,995,000 | 1,796,000 | 6.79974 | 1550 | 20 min |
| Snohomish | 671800 | 8.9 | 11.2884 | ||||||||
| Pierce Co | 773500 | 7.8 | |||||||||
| King Co | 1835300 | 8.9 | |||||||||
| Metroplex | 3,919,624 | ||||||||||
| Washington | 6,375,600 | 53,760 | |||||||||
| National | 300,000,000 | 50,046 | 26 min | ||||||||
Back to top
NW Condo Values
| NEIGHBORHOOD | AREA | AVG. COST | AVG. SQ FT |
| Alki | S Sea | 325,250 | 1056 |
| Auburn | S King | 180,000 | 1099 |
| Ballard | N Sea | 293,975 | 853 |
| Beacon Hill | S Sea | 269,950 | 940 |
| Belltown | Sea Dtwn | 359,475 | 803 |
| Bellevue East | Eastside | 269,500 | 1084 |
| Bellevue West | Eastside | 450,000 | 1152 |
| Bothell | Eastside | 230,000 | 1069 |
| Bothell | S Sno | 227,990 | 1096 |
| Burien | S King | 157,900 | 928 |
| Capitol Hill | Sea Dtwn | 295,000 | 733 |
| Central District | E Sea | 306,200 | 897 |
| Crown Hill | N Sea | 215,000 | 925 |
| Delridge | S Sea | 205,500 | 1014 |
| Des Moines | S King | 190,000 | 1067 |
| Eastgate | Eastside | 278,000 | 1061 |
| Edmonds | S Sno | 227,475 | 1038 |
| Everett | S Sno | 185,000 | 1039 |
| Fairwood | S King | 187,000 | 996 |
| Fauntleroy | S Sea | 205,500 | 1014 |
| Federal Way | S King | 176,475 | 988 |
| First Hill | Sea Dtwn | 356,000 | 863 |
| Fremont | N Sea | 293,975 | 853 |
| Green Lake | N Sea | 320,990 | 810 |
| Greenwood | N Sea | 215,000 | 925 |
| Inglewood | Eastside | 236,245 | 1029 |
| Interbay | N Sea | 246,995 | 952 |
| Issaquah | Eastside | 277,500 | 1101 |
| Juanita | Eastside | 245,000 | 980 |
| Kenmore | Eastside | 230,000 | 1069 |
| Kennydale | Eastside | 239,900 | 1088 |
| Kent | S King | 238,750 | 1158 |
| Kirkland | Eastside | 324,950 | 1073 |
| Lake City | N Sea | 208,000 | 983 |
| Lake Forest Park | N King | 208,000 | 983 |
| Lake Union | N Sea | 359,475 | 954 |
| Lea Hill | S King | 184,950 | 1065 |
| Lynnwood | S Sno | 215,750 | 1084 |
| Madison Park | E Sea | 306,200 | 897 |
| Magnolia | N Sea | 246,995 | 952 |
| Medina | Eastside | 450,000 | 1152 |
| Mercer Island | Eastside | 361,000 | 1169 |
| Mill Creek | S Sno | 269,500 | 1219 |
| Montlake | N Sea | 295,000 | 733 |
| Mountlake Terrace | S Sno | 215,000 | 1080 |
| Mukilteo | S Sno | 187,475 | 942 |
| Newcastle | Eastside | 239,900 | 1088 |
| Northgate | N Sea | 208,000 | 947 |
| Overlake | Eastside | 210,000 | 1048 |
| Queen Anne | N Sea | 332,500 | 875 |
| Queen Anne Lower | N Sea | 332,500 | 759 |
| Rainier Valley | S Sea | 269,950 | 940 |
| Ravenna | N Sea | 263,450 | 875 |
| Redmond | Eastside | 302,400 | 1258 |
| Renton | S King | 205,000 | 1028 |
| Sammamish | Eastside | 302,225 | 1250 |
| SeaTac | S King | 150,500 | 974 |
| Shoreline | N King | 215,000 | 925 |
| Snohomish | S Sno | 217,500 | 1061 |
| Tukwila | S King | 150,500 | 974 |
| Wallingford | N Sea | 320,990 | 810 |
| Wedgewood | N Sea | 263,450 | 875 |
| Woodinville | Eastside | 209,300 | 1011 |
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Metro Relocation Specialists
Seattle
John L. Scott Real Estate
Relocation Office
12900 NE 180th St. Suite 120
Bothell, WA 98011
(800) 872-7268
www.johnlscott.com
Bellevue
Coldwell Banker Bain
150 Bellevue Way SE, Bellevue
(425) 454-0470
www.cbbain.com
Everett
Windermere Real Estate/Everett, Inc.
120 SW Everett Mall Way, #100
Everett, WA 98204
(425) 348-9788
Everetthomesonline.com
Tacoma
ERA - Turn Key Real Estate
1310-C North I Street
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 756-7200
www.tkrei.com
Olympia
RE/MAX Four Seasons
3009 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 200
Olympia, WA 98501
1-800-518-1104
www.rmxhomes.com
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