What’s Going on with Real Estate?!

 

Hello friends and Happy New Year! Guess what? Interest rates went down a touch, and I just wanted to keep you posted about this exciting news because people have been waiting on the sidelines for the interest rates to drop. They were above 8% in October and over the last few months they have dropped into the mid-6% range. This has created a lot of movement in the real estate market. We are seeing our listings in Fairwood (and all over King County I might add) gain a lot more interest and sales are happening again! Rosie actually predicted this would happen a few months ago during her Winter Real Estate Market Update:

 

Here's something to consider. With falling interest rates, our prediction is that we're going to see a floodgate of stampeding buyers, coming out to play in this market. When this happens (spoiler alert, it already is happening, our first listing of the year sold in 3 days with multiple offers!!!), sales prices will go up, due to competing offer situations. Sellers will not be as inclined to negotiate terms as they are right now. We are confident that now is a  great time to get back into the market.

Buyers - Act before the market heats up even more. More buyers = more competition for you! If you are a buyer interested in winning your dream home please check out https://rosierourke.com/buying.

Sellers - It’s time to get your ducks in a row to be prepared to take advantage of the intensifying market. My team is ready and eager to help you price your home, manage your pre-inspection, help you get your home ready, and expertly market its flood of buyers entering the market right now. Our open houses are busy, private showings are up, and online traffic is through the roof on our listings. Learn more about our stress-free listing program and take advantage of the market at https://rosierourke.com/selling.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? A FREE HOME VALUATION?

 

Winter Market Update!

 

Winter ❄️ is here... and so is another market update from your hometown realtor, Rosie! She recaps the crazy year that was real estate in 2023 and gives you a glimpse to what 2024 has in store for you. SPOILER ALERT... it's good news! BUT, you have to be prepared and have your 🦆🦆🦆in a row to take advantage of the good news.

Watch the video, post your questions in the comments, and reach out to us so we can help you plan for real estate success in 2024!

Mortgage Rates in 2024

will mortgage rates drop in 2024

Homebuyers can expect mortgage rates in the 6% range next year, says NAR’s Lawrence Yun

Today we saw Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors chief economist, join ‘Squawk Box’ on CNBC to discuss the state of the housing market, why he believes it’s a strange market of record-high home prices, deep-slumping home sales, and more. It's a great video and he talks about his predictions for interest rates in 2024! Here is the video:

We are already beginning to see rates drop. Mortgage demand jumped to six-week high as interest rates continue to drop according to the Mortgage Bankers Association What does this mean for you?

For Sellers: Buyer demand will be picking up as mortgage rates drop. More buyers means more opportunity to sell your home! If you are thinking of selling in 2024 NOW is the time to start planning with us - LEARN MORE HERE

For Buyers: With rates dropping, there will be more competition for you to deal with. We will see the return of multiple offers and over asking price offers. BUY NOW before the flood gates open, save money on the purchase price, than refinance your loan in the Spring when rates hopefully hit 6%! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Fall Market Update

is fall a good time to sell my home?

 

Fall Market Update & Report Download! 

Fall is an excellent time to sell your home in western Washington for several compelling reasons:

Beautiful Scenery: Fairwood boasts stunning mature fall foliage, making properties look more appealing with colorful leaves and pleasant weather. This natural backdrop can enhance your home's curb appeal.

Comfortable Weather: The moderate fall temperatures in Fairwood create a comfortable environment for potential buyers to explore homes without the discomfort of extreme heat or cold, making it an inviting time to showcase your property.

Reduced Competition: While spring is a popular season for home sales, fall typically sees a decrease in the number of homes listed, reducing competition for sellers. This can lead to a quicker sale and potentially better offers.

Serious Buyers: Buyers looking in the fall often have a strong motivation to move before the holiday season or the end of the year. This sense of urgency can result in more serious and committed buyers.

Favorable Lighting: The soft, natural lighting in the fall can highlight your home's best features, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere during showings and photography sessions.

The combination of picturesque scenery, comfortable weather, reduced competition, motivated buyers, and favorable lighting makes fall an advantageous time to list your home in Renton, Fairwood, Maple Valley, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Puyallup and more, which will potentially lead to a successful and efficient sale.

To get started with our stress-free listing program download our FREE Fall Market Report below! 

Fantasy Football 2023/24!

play fantasy football

Sign Up Online Below!


It's Rosie Rourke's Fantasy Football Contest! 


Football season is once again upon us (GO SEAHAWKS!!!) and we are excited to host our popular Fantasy Football contest again! The winner will receive a pair of Seattle Kraken Tickets for the 2024 season, a $500+ value!

The rules are simple, start by filling out your online draft form below. Enter one player for each category, these will be your players for the entire season. At the end of the season we will tally up the points and announce a winner, that's it! Draft form must be submitted online by Sept. 7th at 5pm, good luck!

 

NOW IS THE TIME!!!

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOUSE OR SELL A HOUSE

 

The Spring real estate market is in full swing! If you're a seller, now is the time to take advantage of record low inventory (homes for sale) and get your house on the market. Homes that priced right, presented well, and marketed correctly are selling! Learn more at www.rosierourke.com/sellerswanted

If you are a buyer, take advantage of seller concessions and stable prices. If you are worried about interest rates we have solutions, learn more here: www.rosierourke.com/worldtochange

March Madness 2023

march madness bracket 2023

Download the official Rosie Rourke Team Bracket, fill it out and send it back to us BEFORE 5pm on March 14th! The bracket with the most points will win a pair of Seattle Kraken tickets! Good luck! The winner will be announced after the championship game.

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

March of Diapers Drive!

rosie rourke march diaper drive

We are Proud to be a Donation Location for this Year's March of Diapers!

March 1st through 31st we will be accepting your donations of diapers, baby wipes & monetary donations at our Fairwood real estate office. Adult diapers will also be accepted and open packages of diapers. Our goal is to bring in 2500 diapers + 2500 baby whips. If we reach our goal BEFORE March 19th Rosie has agreed to dress up like a baby and collect donations at our team office, LOL! 

Donation Hours: 9-5pm Monday - Friday

Location: 16333 SE Petrovitsky Rd, Renton, WA 98058

real estate agent diaper drive drop off location

If you can't make it to our office you can still participate in the Diaper Drive! 

Target Wishlist with delivery to our office: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/marchofdiapers-rosierourketeam

Make a Monetary Donation online (put in The Rosie Rourke Team at check out): https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5GHV3PEW5TUGJ&source=url

Transitioning to Memory Care in Washington

selling a house and moving to memory care in renton, kent, fairwood

Helping Seniors Transition to Their Next Chapter Including Memory Care! 

We work with a lot of clients and their families in the Renton, Fairwood, Kent, Maple Valley and Auburn areas (also greater King County) who need to sell their homes and transition to their next chapter. Sometimes its downsizing to a smaller single home, a condo, a retirement community or memory care. We have great relationships with highly accredited memory care communities and can recommend the right place for you or your loved one. Our goal with our 55+ Concierge Listing Services is to achieve a stress-free home selling experience for our client and their families. Learn more about this at www.rosierourke.com/nextchapter.

Do you have questions about memory care? Here is a list of free resources to learn more about memory care in Washington: 

www.memorycare.com/memory-care-in-washington

www.memorycare.com/what-is-a-memory-care-facility

www.memorycare.com/when-to-consider-memory-care

www.memorycare.com/what-to-expect-in-memory-care/