According to the recent NWMLS news, double digit gains in pending and closed sales for April over the same time a year ago; and for the first time in over four years selling prices increased slightly over the previous year.

“We’ve seen appreciation three months in a row, signaling a definitive turnaround in the market,” remarked Northwest MLS board member OB Jacobi. “Due to the shortcomings in the Case-Shiller index, I think it will take them until November to report year-over-year appreciation,” he added.

“As is fairly typical of a recovering market, the activity first heats up in the urban centers, and then spreads to the surrounding suburbs and outlying areas. We are now seeing this trend,” noted Jacobi.

Tight inventory has created sellers’ markets in some areas, according to reports. Inventory is down 27% overall, and most notably down 46.2% in Snohomish county, down 39.4% in King and Pierce is down 28.6%. As demand outweighs supply competition may even intensify, especially for those homes well priced and in good condition or desirable locations.

Low inventory and favorable interest rates are being credited for current activity. Joe Spencer, MLS director, said “As Yogi Berra said, ‘It’s like deja vu all over again’ as the Puget Sounds real estate market continues trending in the same positive direction for the fourth month in a row.” With new and available inventory in a diminished state, he said there’s been a strong in crease in buyer activity. “Low interest rates continue to energize buyers, while for sellers, prices in the Puget Sound are stable and up in areas close to job centers,” according to Spencer.

Darin Stenvers believes the housing industry is recovering on its own, citing double-digit decreases in inventory for the past several months and a corresponding rise in pending sales as key indicators.

“It’s a slow process, but I expect it will continue for the balance of 2012 and through 2013,” Stenvers said, noting he anticipates a return to home value appreciations in most markets by mid-2013. He also predicts consumer confidence will hold interest rates down through the fall elections and into 2013.

According to an article posted on Inman News, the best time to sell is when:

• consumer confidence is on the upswing
• unemployment is decreasing
• interest rates are low
• the economic news is mild
• there are more buyers than sellers – a high-demand, low-inventory market

Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, attributed the improvement in consumer confidence in February to less pessimism about current business and employment conditions and more optimism about the short-term outlook for the economy and job prospects despite a rise in gas prices. Franco said the moderate decline seen in March was “due solely to a less favorable short-term outlook.”

Interest rates are currently at historic lows and are expected to stay low for the rest of the year. Even with low rates, buyers have had difficulty qualifying due to rigid mortgage approval underwriting.

Analytics firm Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year partially due to lenders loosening credit. According to Capital Economics, one indicator of loosening is that banks are now lending 82 percent of loan-to-value (LTV), compared with a low of 74 percent LTV reached in mid-2010. This means qualified buyers need less cash to buy, which should lead to more sales this year.

These positive indicators combined with a drop in homes for sale at the end of 2011 and a decrease in unemployment  provides a great opportunity for sellers in spring 2012.

The Puget Sound housing market is so far sustaining it’s momentum to recovery according to brokers and the March activity report from the NWMLS.

Members reported 9,126 pending sales for March, nearly 21% increase over March 2011, also up 19.7% over February of this year. Shrinking inventory, attractive financing, and a rise in consumer confidence set the stage for this recovery. Brokers are also indicating there are remarkable opportunities for investing in the residential rental market at this time.

“Buyers are screaming for more inventory and they’re being more aggressive with presenting offers on homes” reported MLS director George Moorhead, adding “Both buyers and sellers want to catch the historically low interest rates. The lagging inventory is actually helping prices stabilize, which we hope will have a positive impact on the real estate market as the year progresses.”

J. Lennox Scott remarked “Close to the job centers, 45% of new listings are selling within a single month. We are seeing a frenzied market in the Puget Sound region, especially in the more affordable and mid-price ranges, with an increase in sales activity in the high end. Because of the shortage of homes for sale, combined with the sales surge being driven by job growth and historically low interest rates, if you’re not ‘buyer ready’ you may not get a house in today’s market.”

Another positive occurrence report by brokers is new home starts in areas that have been at a standstill for years.

Geographical areas with notable strength:

• Seattle’s close-in neighborhoods are seeing at least 10% of their value since the low point a year ago recovered
• Snohomish County pending sales jumped 21%, reportedly the demand ratio at highest levels since 2006
• Kitsap county inventory is down by 11% and buyers making offers are up 34%

The current market is attracting first-time as well as move-up buyers and investors.  Buyers should closely analyze details with their real estate agent and take steps to be ready to buy quickly to get what they’re looking for.

According to Seattle’s Technology News Source Techflash.com, salaries are on the rise for employees in the Seattle area.

The Seattle-based PayScale.com payroll index indicated the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region has seen the largest salary growth in the country since this time last year. Though Seattle was beat out by Austin Texas earlier this year for technology startup salaries, Seattle saw 3.2 percent overall salary growth, compared to 1.4 percent salary growth nationwide.

This is a significant increase over last year’s report, which found the region up only 0.7 percent between the first quarters of 2010 and 2011. It’s also a marked improvement over the 2009/2010 index, which showed Seattle salaries dropping by 2 percent.

To recap, the top five salary increases by metropolitan region are:

• Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue: 3.2%
• Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land: 2.7%
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: 1.8%
• St. Louis, Mo.-Ill.: 1.7%
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 1.5%

In this recent article Longview was profiled as one of 5 pretty towns in America. With the port clustered around the Lewis and Clark Bridge the surrounding scenery is amazing. “It is one of the only, if not the only planned community in the west at the time,” says Foster Church of “Discovering Main Street: Travel Adventures in Small Towns of the Northwest. “It was planned by a wealthy lumber magnate who decided to build two lumber mills in this location because it was close to the Columbia River.”

As reported by Forbes.com he needed 14,000 workers to help run his two mills, so in 1921, he built a city that could house up to 50,000 people. Today, the town retains its old town lumber mill feel, and is home to the well-planned but serene beauty of Lake Sacajawea Park, which Foster says is “one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen.”

Read the full article that includes not only Longview Washington but also a glimpse of Newport RI, Old San Juan Puerto Rico, Key West FL and Tarrytown NY.

Evidence to this report is one of our premier properties, the Hill Ranch. Truly spectacular.

We’re pleased to have a property featured on the Wall Street Journal Business of Extraordinary Living website! View the Lifestyle Comparison area on the WSJ website here.

Click here for property website & virtual tour.

Today’s event held at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue Washington included our own Randi Brazen and others such as Mark von der Burg of Coldwell Banker Bain, Tere Foster of Windermere Real Estate/East and Vija Williams of Luxury Homes by Keller Williams-Kirkland.

Randi Brazen and Tere Foster guest speakers at Northwest Luxe Event

Randi with Josh Altman from BRAVO TVs hit show Million Dollar Listing (LA) at the Luxe Event

Housing crisis expected to end this year according to a recent report. Loosening credit is dubbed as the catalyst.

The average credit score required to attain a mortgage remains at 700 after the crisis, which is higher than scores required prior. But this number has stabilized. In addition banks are now lending amounts up to 3.5 time borrower earnings, up from a low during the crisis of 3.2. Loan-to-value ratios (LTV) are also being loosened, denoted as “the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions” by Capital Economics.

Banks are now lending at 82% LTV in contrast to 74% in mid-2010.

Although conditions have loosened slightly, some potential homebuyers are struggling with the credit requirements. Capital Economics points out that in November 8% of contact cancellations were resulting from prospective buyers not qualifying for a loan.

Capital Economics continues by noting “Any improvement in credit conditions won’t be significant enough to generate actual house price gains”.

Looking forward, Realogy and the Sotheby’s International Realty brand continue to see signs of a stabilizing housing market:

• On February 21, Fannie Mae stated that in 2012 the housing market will make a positive contribution to GDP growth for the first time in seven years.
• For full-year 2012, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is forecasting 4.55 million unit sales, which would amount to a 7% year-over-year increase. Similarly, the Fannie Mae forecast calls for a 6% increase to 4.5 million units in 2012.
• Looking at median sales price, NAR’s current estimate calls for a 1% increase in 2012 while Fannie is more conservative, showing a price decline of 3% for 2012.
• Combined with lower inventory levels in many markets, very attractive pricing, historically low mortgage rates and high affordability levels, we have reason to be optimistic.

By Guest Author Emma Crawford

Throughout the early weeks of 2012, it’s been clear that many local real estate professionals are anticipating some form of strong start throughout the remaining time in the first quarter of the year. Even though figures have a long way to go in the Seattle area, one of the more glaring returns early this year have been the low prices in the area and the possible effects.

Median sale prices for the Seattle area are down nearly eight percent from the outset of 2011. The drop in sale price is quite differing throughout the entire Seattle area. For example, Grays Harbor and Clallam counties experienced an even bigger shift than normal, coming near a 40 percent drop from month to month.

Even while the prices remain low, there are a number of other figures that are pointing to a first quarter and entire year of positivity in the Seattle real estate market. Pending sales in the area are up heavily over last year at the same time. There’s been a 13 percent jump in just 12 months, as there were over 6,132 sales compared to 5,393 back at the beginning of 2011. Despite the pending sales’ effect on the inventory going down in Seattle, the increase is a cause for optimism.

Also on the seller’s side for optimism is the fact that rentals have continued to go up in the area over the past year. The average rental rate for Seattle apartments is currently sitting at a figure that has jumped nearly 10 percent in the past year alone. The thinking with rising rental rates is that potential buyers on the fence may take a closer look at buying as rates continue to go up.

The success of the market for the rest of the quarter and year could largely depend on whether inventory can get back on track with the amount of pending sales in the area. The lack of brand new property and building has left the overall inventory a bit short, as those pending sales have gone up. As mortgage rates have dropped to record lows throughout the country, as well as in Seattle, more inventories would represent a chance for buyers to take advantage. One small issue right now could simply be that buyers can’t find the right home, which is only temporary if true interest is there, as types of homes on the market are cyclical.

Despite the lower prices in January, which certainly isn’t an appealing figure for the real estate professionals, there are still plenty of other figures pointing towards a healthy year for the area market. The rising rentals, low mortgage rates, and jump in pending sales are just a few things that could end up making for a promising year for buyers and sellers alike.

Emma Crawford is a creative writer from Murray State University. As an aspiring writer she specializes in writing about travel destinations, real estate and tourism.

Truly special properties are different at every level, and require real estate services that are as well.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand takes great pride in presenting to the world unique places and their stories, and in using our innovative marketing tools, global network and relationships with discerning buyers to perfectly match time-honored properties with those who will appreciate them and give them new life.

As agents, we have access to some of the most qualified buyers in the world. For example take a look at this exquisite St. Barthelemy Villa represented by St. Barth Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, $6,000,000.

This newly refurbished, three-bedroom, three-bath, hillside villa is set in the heights of Pt. Milou with sensational views that deliver the beauty of an early morning sunrise to the awe-inspiring sunset. With both indoor and outdoor living areas, the villa offers incredible views from all locations.

Allow us to show you some of the special properties agents of the Sotheby’s International Realty Network have most recently successfully represented in the last issue of Significant Sales magazine.

According to local experts the market is expected to move forward this year and prices appear to be stabilizing. There are opportunities now for buyers that reflect historical bottoms in the past, “I wish I would have bought property when…” is the current state of affairs. Buyers can take advantage and sellers can look forward to a more stable market in the future as the complex circumstances of the past few years settle down.

The Northwest MLS reports for January indicate, as compared to the same month a year ago, in spite of harsh weather and the absence of tax credits, that pending sales are up 13.7%.

“Given that we lost a week with some of the worst weather in 16 years, the numbers are astoundingly good” remarked Northwest MLS director Ken Anderson. “This is the first January in four that we can make a reasonable year-over-year comparison,” he added. “The improvement in the numbers show that the market is healing itself and standing on its own”.

Lower inventory and interest rates and positive job growth are contributing to rising optimism among industry professionals, though distressed properties are slowing down market recovery.

Prices are wide ranging from a low of $13,000 for a manufactured home in Sultan to an asking price of $26.8 million for a Mercer Island waterfront home.

Snohomish County reported the greatest reduction in inventory at about two-thirds of year-ago levels. Several areas within King County also reported similar percentage declines in total active listings.

OB Jacobi, Northwest MLS board member says the reduction in inventory is impacting the market. “We have plenty of qualified buyers who are ready to buy if they could just find a home.”

The lower number of listings coming on the market is due to a combination of things according to J. Lennox Scott, CEO and chairman of John L. Scott Real Estate. He mentioned several contributors such as those owing more than their home’s current value, sellers with equity holding off for better prices and the lack of new construction. “The lower number of new listings combined with the increase in sales activity is creating the shortage of homes for sales in specific areas and price ranges,” Scott said.

“A seller’s market has returned in the areas close to the job centers of Seattle and Bellevue, up to the one million dollar price point,” Scott noted, adding “We are also seeing the same situation in the more affordable price ranges in the surrounding market areas, caused by a shortage of inventory and healthy to strong sales activity.”

The median price for last month’s closed sales of single family homes and condominiums (combined) was $214,990, down about 11.7 percent from a year ago when the median selling price was $243,500. The price changes ranged from year-over-year increases reported in five counties (Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, Mason, and Pacific) to declines of up to 40 percent (in Clallam and Grays Harbor counties).

“Price increases are muted by short sales and foreclosures that are causing low appraisal values,” observed Scott, directors Jacobi and Wilson agreed.

“We are simultaneously seeing the continued rise in pending and closed sales,” said Jacobi. “Usually pent up demand and rising sales means that prices will be going up. But, unfortunately, that isn’t the case thanks to the high level of distressed properties that continue to drag down the entire market,” he explained.

“What is tempering our real estate recovery in Kitsap and much of Puget Sound are the short sales and REO properties that are on the market and the way the banks are dealing with their sales process,” said Wilson, while pointing to several encouraging signs.

“All the pieces are in place for a more normal market in much of Kitsap”, Wilson pointed out. “With pending sales up 17 percent in Kitsap, buyers are taking advantage of the values this market is offering and the extremely low interest rates. If this trend continues we should begin seeing price appreciation as we progress into the year,” he remarked.

Improving numbers show the artificial stimulus of the tax credits was not the key to the recovering market, suggested Anderson. “Instead, today’s affordability has buyers in all price segments returning – and feeling more confident about the future.”

Northwest MLS director Darin Stenvers believes “the perfect storm is brewing.” He said the pent-up need for homes in good condition is creating shorter market times and sales close to the original asking price. “It is a great time for sellers who have been waiting,” said Stenvers, the office managing broker at John L. Scott Real Estate in Bellingham.

“The market is almost done with the needed correction,” Stenvers stated, adding, “Distressed homes and REOs are not going away fast but have slowed and should soon level off.” He also foresees a loosening of overly restrictive lending guidelines. Wilson said, “I remember at the height of the market people would say ‘I wish I would have bought some waterfront back in 2001… or I wish I would have picked up a couple of rentals a few years ago’.” For these people, “the clock has been rolled back and you now have an opportunity to purchase real estate near the bottom of the market,” he suggested.

According to Northwest MLS broker’s reports, although the number of homes sold increased, 2011 showed inventories and median prices decreasing compared to 2010. The median price of homes sold in 2011 ranged from $120,000 in Grays Harbor County to $387,500 in San Juan County. King County posted 40% of last year’s sales with a median selling price of $311,748.

Other Northwest MLS report findings:

• Single family homes accounted for about 87% of sales volume and about 90% of dollar volume.
• About half the homes sold last year had 3 bedrooms, about 3/4 of condos had 2 or less.
• Prices for 3 bedroom homes built before 2009 vary widely ranging from $112,375 in Grays Harbor County up to $408,500 in San Juan County.
• Average active listings per month reported in 2011 was 34,000.
• Of 860 million-dollar-plus sales of single family homes more than half was in Seattle’s Eastside. Of those, 145 were west of I-405 including Bellevue and Beaux Arts Village, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Medina and Yarrow Point.
• The highest priced single family home in the Northwest MLS sold last year was in Hunts Point on east Lake Washington for $14,750,000. The highest priced condo was sold in Kirkland for $3,249,000.
• Comparing median prices of homes sales within school districts the most expensive were in the Mercer Island School District ($824,000), followed by Bellevue ($550,000) and Issaquah ($530,000).
• 81,019 pending sales were shown during 2011, an increase of about 10.5% over 2010.
• The pace of sales measured by month’s supply and how long it would take for all inventory to sell at the current pace assuming no new inventory added showed an improvement over 2010. By this measurement, Snohomish County had the lowest supply followed by King County.

Healthy marketplaces are finding their place amidst smaller inventory and respectable financing options according to the current Northwest Multiple Listing Service report.

“All over we are seeing healthy marketplaces emerge as the inventory levels drop”, said J. Lennox Scott. “As you get closer to the job centers of Seattle and Bellevue, the marketplace is looking strong again. The outlook for 2012 is the continuation of a strengthening marketplace, especially in the more affordable to mid range priced homes.”

The combination of shrinking inventory and favorable financing is causing some areas to become a seller’s market if measured by the supply of homes. Area-wide there’s about a five month supply of homes, generally considered to be a balanced market favoring neither side.

Snohomish County inventory of active listings is down more than 28 percent from a year ago. Sub-areas of King County, including Renton, Federal Way, Ballard, Sand Point, Lake City and parts of Bellevue have an even shorter supply of properties on the market in relation to demand.

A slight increase in sales activity in the high-end market (up to a million dollars) around Seattle and Bellevue is anticipated due to higher FHA loan limits, which in turn can increase sales activity in mid-price ranges as existing homeowners move up in price range. Well priced homes are still receiving multiple offers, and interest rates in the “3’s” will contribute to the momentum.

OB Jacobi believes the market has undergone a shift. “Where we’ve been during the past year is a place of transition. It has been a slow recovery, but the housing market has finally turned a corner, albeit a soft one with some bumps along the way” he commented.

Click here to download the NWMLS report that includes December 2011 Market Activity Summary and Puget Sound Region Pending Sales for 2000-2011 monthly comparison chart.

Brazen Sotheby’s Bellevue Daily is a conglomeration of the hottest issues, locally and globally. Follow us on Twitter for access to this fantastic Brazen business, lifestyle and news piece.

Touted by a “voracious consumer of trophy real estate” in the Homes section of Wall Street Journal online, software billionaire Larry Ellison has collected hundreds of millions of dollars worth premium properties around the world.

Mr. Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, has quite the list of properties, including five adjacent lots in Malibu, a Rhode Island mansion (formerly the Astor family’s), a historic garden property in Kyoto and a Rancho Mirage estate with it’s own 19-hole golf course.

His determined approach has proven to get him what he wants. With the philosophy “buy the best without compromise”, scouting, quick decision-making and a lot to fall back on financially, the compounds, mansions, villas and estates he’s amassed are proof that his approach is effective.

A few things you may not know about a successful yet complex man, Larry’s taste for real estate investments could possibly have been sparked by his adoptive father’s success in earning a small fortune in Chicago real estate prior to the Great Depression. And in 2010, this third richest man in America won the 33rd America’s Cup. His “BMW Oracle” team beat rival billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli’s Alinghi team by 5 minutes, 25 seconds.

Mr. Ellison is currently focusing his efforts on properties in Lake Tahoe, records show he spent $102 million in the last few years buying both on-the-market and not so on-the-market properties and has assembled 3 large parcels on the lakefront.

His Incline Village neighbors at Lake Tahoe say his compound evokes the feel of old Tahoe and that Mr. Ellison has done a meticulous job of making sure the house fits into the surroundings. “It’s in keeping with the rustic atmosphere of the mountain community”.

Some say projects such as Mr. Ellison’s help keep people employed in tough times and that his investment is a sign of confidence in the local real estate market.

Northwest MLS September statistics show increasing sales and some leveling off on prices.  The number of completed transactions in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties jump 32 percent over last year.  Overall pending sales for the 21 counties in the MLS rose more than 20 percent over the same time last year.

OB Jacobi — member of the Northwest MLS board — pointed out interest rates are low, affordability is high and confidence in the housing market is improving, and adds that one consequence is “stiff competition for move-in ready homes that are priced right, especially in neighborhoods close to Seattle.”

In Central Puget Sound, according to J. Lennox Scott, 90 percent of sales activity is taking place in the more affordable and mid-price ranges, where inventory is low to healthy. He notes that historically low interest rates combined with lower adjusted prices are attracting home buyers and investors in healthier sales.

Locally, industry veterans are encouraged by shrinking inventory and gains in sales over last year. According to Northwest MLS brokers, pricing is paramount in this market. “Properly priced homes are selling, overpriced homes are not, it’s that simple” states Bellingham broker Darin Stenvers.

Jacobi reported an influx of cash buyers in the $800,000 to $1.2 million price range, especially on the Eastside area around Bellevue. “Cash buyers have the upper hand in negotiating the best deals. The buyers are not looking at housing as a red hot investment,” he said, “but rather as a place for long-terms value and a possible hedge against invlation. Like many of us, they’ve experienced first-hand the effects of falling stock prices and rising inflation. But unlike equity investments, these buyers figure that at least they can live in their home while they wait for the global economy to figure itself out.

Take a look at the first video in our “Communities series”.  Medina — who lives there, what it’s like, population and more. 

For more information about Medina or other communities contact Joseph@BrazenSir.com.

Both pending and closed sales came out on top during the month of August this year, according to the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.  August results showed the highest number of mutually accepted offers since April 2010’s tax incentive.

Up 26% from the same time last year, brokers reported 7,632 pending sales for August. Thirteen counties had double digit gains in pending sales from a year ago, with Snohomish jumping more than 46 percent.

MLS director OB Jacobi expressed excitement at the positive momentum in the market, noting the most active were the $600k to $800k price ranges in King County, and added that low inventory continues to be an issue across the board.

Closed sales for August rose 35% over August a year ago, with inventory dropping by 16% between this August and last. This discrepancy is causing a competitive multiple-offer environment, and buyers are encouraged to be ready to place an offer. Suggestions for buyers include:
1. Get pre-approved
2. Subscribe to daily email notifications of new listings entering the market (click here to subscribe now)

With favorable conditions like affordability, home prices more in line with income levels, and historically low interest rates there is renewed enthusiasm in the market.

For professional representation contact Brazen Sotheby’s International Realty today.

For this indepth report and resulting list, Inman narrowed it down to 10 real estate markets nationwide, calculated from the period spanning June 2010 through May 2011. To arrive at the top 10, states were selected that had high sales rates per agent, then Inman drilled down further into metro areas with high average dollar volume per realtor.

Final Top 10 List (in order)

1. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett WA
2. Fort Worth-Arlington TX
3. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield CO
4. Salt Lake City UT
5. San Antonio-New Braunfels TX
6. Pittsburgh PA
7. Dallas-Plano-Irving TX
8. Kansas City MO,KS
9. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos TX
10. Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin TN

To be considered, a metro area had to have a high sales rate in at least one of the following:

• The state’s licensee sales rate (total sales June ‘10-May ‘11, divided by total real estate licensees)
• The state’s active licensee sales rate (total sales June ‘10-May ‘11, divided by total active real estate licensees)
• The state’s Realtor sales rate (total sales June ‘10-May ‘11, divided by total Realtors)

Among those listed, the Seattle metro area was the high end of the range with $1,540,000 average volume in sales per realtor for the previous year. Ranging at the low end of the top 10 was the Nashville metro area with $599,171.

This report indicates the Seattle, Bellevue and Everett realtors are doing well when compared nationally, perhaps due to a better-than-average local economy, a shared trait with the other 9 areas on the list. See the <a href=”http://www.inman.com/reports/top-market-income/index.html”>full report here</a>.

This stunning craftsman was originally built by John Ankeny in 1906, son of Senator Levi Ankeny who gifted him the property. The Ankeny’s were a powerful, influential family around the turn of the century owning 7 banks and other holdings.

Renovated by interior designer/contractor Kevin S. Davis, this home will receive an historical plaque and most likely be tax reduced, possibly exempt, for 10 years because of it’s historical status.

5,000 square feet of architectural details, modern entertainment installations and rich finishes round out the package — quintessential vintage charm possessing all of the amenities of today plus many more.

Take the full property tour of this incredible Walla Walla Craftsman.

This week the lowest mortgage rate offered for a 15 year FRM was 2.875 percent (3.11% APR), which is down from 3.00 percent offered last week. Recently 30-year fixed rates hit the lowest level since Freddie Mac started keeping statistics.

The low interest rates coupled by incredible real estate deals make it an ideal time to upgrade to a nicer home or purchase an additional property.

Washington State takes three spots in the top 18 out of 100 “Best Places to Live” 2011 rankings, with Mukilteo taking ninth, Sammamish coming in at 15th and Newcastle taking 18th.

According to the CNN Money article, ninth-ranking Mukilteo boasts a good economy, low percentage of bank-owned homes and new employment with area employers such as Boeing. Good schools, beautiful location on Puget Sound and affordable homes wrap up the prize-winning package.

15th on the list, Sammamish, is surrounded by scenic mountains and lakes and is in close proximity to both Puget Sound and ski resorts. Area high-tech employers such as Boeing, Amazon and Microsoft help make Sammamish such a desirable place to live.

And Newcastle, 18th on the list, hosts a 350-acre golf course, 12 parks and 3,115 acre Cougar Mountain Wildland Park is right next door. The tech employers are easily accessible and there’s and incredible volunteer spirit in Newcastle, all of these together make it an attractive place to live.

The top 3 places were Louisville, CO; Milton, MA and Solon, OH. See the full 2011 list with descriptions here.

Long time Medina School Principal, Betsy Hill and her Sister Suzy Hill , (Long Time Bellevue teacher) have selected Joseph and Randi Brazen to market their family’s Hill Ranch in Cowlitz County ( Kelso).

For years the families of Medina and Bellevue have heard the stories of Hill Ranch and the folklore of the amazing memories that were formed over the years. Now for the first time in over 50 years Hill Ranch is available for sale and will be open for viewing this Friday August 12th from Noon to 4pm.

Offered at $3,200,000.

For more info or a private showing please contact us at Joseph@BrazenSir.com.

View this property in the comprehensive online ebook.

The trendsetting family business in Issaquah Highlands, Plateau Realty, has partnered with Brazen Sotheby’s International Realty of Bellevue.

Scott Gibbons established the Got Scott? mindset in Issaquah Highlands, selling over 300 homes in the process. He’s out to do it again with the nation’s leading Luxury home brand, Sotheby’s, the pride of Realogy Corp.

Larry Cragun of ihighlands.neighborhoodsundressed.com asked why Scott made this change.

He chose Sotheby’s from others because of the international exposure (540 offices worldwide), their marketing and technology, and the fact he loved their brands offering. He is already working with buyers from out of the area that are being referred through their beautiful website. You will note the professional photography is a class to itself. Scott says that every listing must meet this photographic standard. Because of it’s international clientele the website is customized in 9 different languages.

We’re excited about our alliance with Scott and his expert team at Plateau Realty, and look forward to an even stronger presence in the Issaquah, Bellevue, Seattle, regional and international luxury real estate markets!

According to a story on AOL Money & Finance Site dailyfinance.com:

It may be the “Apple Capital of the World” but Wenatchee also offers an endless array of recreational options, including skiing, hiking, camping hunting and fishing. Stunning views make this city the Northwest’s very own “Garden of Eden.” – PR Newswire

How far does your money goes in Wenatchee?
State tax on pensions: No
State tax on Social Security: No
Sales tax: 8%
Property tax rate: 10.52%

Best way to spend $10…
Have a milk shake downtown at Owl Soda Fountain & Gifts, founded in 1926, then check out “Art on the Avenues,” a collection of more than 70 unique outdoor sculptures scattered throughout Wenatchee.

Best night on the town…
Fall in love with baseball all over again with the AppleSox, part of the West Coast League, a wooden-bat summer collegiate league. -AARP

Dreaming about retiring to a villa in the Wenatchee hills with your own vineyard?

Take a look at our private gated 11 acre estate with a 1/2 acre vineyard and 8,000 sq. ft Italian villa that comes fully furnished. You’ll marvel at the 4 luxurious bedroom suites, 5.5 baths, den, family room, game/billiard room, library and music room/receiving room. See the virtual tour and photo gallery of our Wenatchee Villa in the Hills.

We’d like to share the great news that our listing has been chosen to be featured on the homepage of the Wall Street Journals “The Business of Extraordinary Living”. Our Bellevue listing showcased on July 1st and will run until August 12th.

This listing is truly a unique extraordinary property with over 10,700 square feet of custom finishes, it features hand carved antique doors and a 500 year old temple entry to the media room. There is nothing common about this spectacular home. Everywhere you look you will be dazzled by breathtaking views of the lake and city skyline, as well as an amazing attention to detail. Click here for more information about this Bellevue waterfront villa.

Clearly an appropriate choice for the homepage of an Extraordinary Living website! Click here to visit the featured property on Wall Street Journal’s website.

The 15,260-square-foot house owned by the Kolzigs feature three guest suites, private master suite, formal living and dining salons, chef’s gourmet kitchen, two offices, media room, sports bar, gym, craft studio, 1,000 bottle wine cellar and two guest/staff apartments…

For more information and full article visit the Seattle Times.

Check out the new magazine by the Sotheby’s International Realty® Network, presenting a selection of fine properties from distinct locations.