According to the company Trendgraphix, Inc., Active listings in October 2010 saw 154 listings, by end of December, 2010 91 listings active and end of year 2011 only 51 listings active in the zip codes of 98109 and 98119.  Average price per square foot varied from $256 to a high of $330 and now back to $265 as of 12/31/11.

Average days on market varied from 51 to 142 with sale price to original list price in the 90% range consistently.

Average price of homes for sale end of 2010 was $848,000 and ended 2011 with average sales price of $1,095,000.  However, average sales prices topped out at $853,000 11/11 with end of year average at $668,000.

2010 ended with 4.3 months of inventory and ended 2011 with 4.3 months of inventory.

As you can see, there became fewer and fewer homes to choose from over the year of 2011.  Buyers are looking for Queen Anne location – close to downtown – but want to move in with little to do, or want a great deal.

2012 should be even more interesting to see if more inventory comes on the market!

The main thing is to be clear about what you want, so you can eliminate the houses that do not fit your criteria, and to be clear with your agent so that person doesn’t waste your time in showing you homes, or sending you ideas, that do not fit your lifestyle.

Make a list of wants, and must haves, and absolute should not haves, then make sure that if you are buying with someone else, that yours lists coincide!  Be sure you do this for both the house and the location so that you are buying just what you want.

Getting on an automatic email system is helpful for your search purposes.  Easily done by yourself on our Windermere web site, or with help from your agent.

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make, so be sure you are prepared, work with someone you trust and admire, and have fun in the process!