Bill Sauneuf's Real Estate Times

Topping the List for Job Growth in 2010... Mount Vernon, Washington!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:10:23 -0600

Hey Everybody,

According to an article in BusinessWeek and Yahoo! Finance from November 6th, 2009, our great little town of Mount Vernon Washington is expected to top the Nation's job growth in the first three months of 2010.

Wow!

The article says that our "tourism, retail and hospitality will make a comeback as the economy improves." I think that is outstanding and likely to become the reality.

In Real Estate, we're already seeing the recovery. In the latest monthly recap published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Pending Sales in the month of October 2009 were up an amazing 94.44% from the October 2008 Sales in Skagit County.

Simply amazing! The recovery is here and it is real.

Add this to the near historic low interest rates and the $8,000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit, or the $6,500 Tax Credit to people that have owned their home for at least 5 years and you have a fantastic opportunity for buying real estate! If you've been waiting for the right time to buy, wait no longer!

-Bill

It’s the Economy, Stupid…

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:31:16 -0500

I hate to borrow a line from Bill Clinton, but it just seems too appropriate not to.

The DOW has had an average monthly gain of 636 points for the last 4 months. (3/2/09 it closed at 6,626.94 and 8/1/09 it closed at 9,171.61). During trading today, I saw the DOW at 9,490 as the momentum keeps marching on.

Residential Home Sales in Skagit County with transactions "Pending" gained 37.93% comparing June 2008 with June 2009, according the Northwest Multiple Listing Service's Monthly Recap for June 2009. June 2008 had 116 residential homes with transactions "Pending", June 2009 had 160 residential homes with transactions "Pending") The same report shows a 22.77% gain in Pending Sales across the whole NW Multiple Listing Service, which represents the bulk of the State. Way to go Washington State!

The Federal Government's "Cash for Clunkers" program is so wildly successful that they nearly used up the One Billion Dollars in the first week of the program. At the $4,500 maximum per car, this represents over 220,000 "clunkers" traded in on more efficient cars. Wow!

Positive momentum is here! There can be no doubting it anymore!

The economists always say "Buy Low, Sell High." Well, it seems that we have reached the low and are starting to go up again. The "Time to buy" is here. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, or some stock; do it soon.

The DOW is Still Moving Up Nicely!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:46:49 -0500

The DOW just closed today's trading at 8,750 (up about 75 points). A good day on Wall Street.

It got me thinking though.... 9,000 is in sight. How high was it before the big market crash? I looked up the 52 week range and found a high of 12,610.96 and a low of 6,469.95.

The mid-point is 9,540.45. When the DOW reaches this, it will have re-gained half of what was lost. Considering that the DOW has averaged more than 700 points gained per month for the last 3 months, we may well have regained half of what was lost before the end of June if the current trends continue.

The Nation's economic recovery is well underway! Believe it! Talk about it! Live it!

A Secret To Productivity

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:04:26 -0500

The simple ideas are usually the best ideas... Just Do It!
-Bill

Via Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

For those that follow me around they find out I get a lot done in a day. Some will ask, what is your secret? So

A Secret To Productivity.

Before I give MY answer it is also important to get the RIGHT things done not just getting things done in general.

My secret? "Do, Don't Plan!!!"

I am not discounting to do lists, and the importance of short term or strategic planning. But coming from someone who burned too much daylight in analysis paralysis and fence sitting in an earlier stage of my life I don't do that anymore. Time is a wasting. The key to being highly productive is one word: ACTION. You have to do. You have to delegate. You have to leverage all your resources time, energy, and money.

Clean your house? Do it. Get your website polished? Do it. Check in on family or friends? Pick up the phone. Do it. Take a class? Look at the calendar and register. Do it?

Am I starting to sound like a slogan from a famous shoe brand you know?

I cannot underemphasize the power in your life to get things done by just applying energy to something. Do, don't plan in the execution step of something. I agree sometimes that first step of getting the motor started in cleaning that desk or writing that thank you or love letter is the toughest. But if you will just do, not plan or think so much, you will be amazed what you accomplish in a day. Oh look there I just did another do it with writing a blog. But I have to go now. More, many more things left to do today. Be the Energizer Bunny when it comes to accomplishing things. Start today, don't plan for it tomorrow. By doing it today you get one more day in your life of things done. Trust me, people will notice this NEW difference in you. A very positive one. Someone who doesn't just talk or think. Get out of your head, and

JUST DO IT!!!

Huge Victory for Real Estate Professionals AND Consumers

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:09:16 -0500

It has been a long hard fight, but the REALTORs have come out on top!! If the banks had won, real estate agents may have become as scarce as travel agents within a few years.

-Bill

Via Corey & Erika Kahler (The Cascade Team):

On Wednesday, March 11th, 2009, President Obama signed HR 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009. Among the bill's many provisions, is one that affects us all. Banks are now permanently prohibited from getting involved in real estate brokerage and property management.

This obviously benefits us in that banks won't be able to squeeze us out, but it also benefits our clients. As agents, we work for them and watch out for their interests, instead of the banks' bottom line.

The National Association of Realtors has fought for this for the past eight years. We should all celebrate this great victory! The NAR website has some great information on their website about this bill and what it means for real estate. http://www.realtor.org/banks_and_commerce.nsf/Pages/banks_in_real_estate?OpenDocument

The DOW Gains Nearly 1,400 Points!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:36:48 -0500

Make no mistake! The economic recovery is well underway in this country!

From March 2nd, 2009 through April 22nd, 2009 the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the DOW) has gained a whopping 1,395 points. Not bad for less than 8 weeks!

It certainly has been a rough 12 months that has affected the entire nation. Just a year ago, the DOW was around 13,000 points. An incredible amount of wealth in this country has been lost over the last year. I'm not losing sight of that. However; a recovery or rebound is clearly visible.

On March 2nd, 2009 the DOW was at 6,626 points compared with the 8,021 points during today's trading just a few minutes ago.

It is time to get going with the American Dream again! Invest in a house, buy some stock, get yourself or your family a nice car or something. The bargains out there are amazing.

The news reports are still mixed. There are still many good signs as well as bad, but like all of the other recessions America has ever faced, this recession will end.

This is America! It is time for our people to remember that!

Data/Chart Source: MSN Money Central. Click here for the current chart.

11 steps to building a Real Estate Website that WORKS!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:53:27 -0500

Jim Marks wrote a really good list of things needed to have a real estate web-site that works. I'm going to be reviewing my web-site tonight with his list in hand to see what should be done for my site...

-Bill

Via Jim Marks (Virtual Results):

Whether you are building a standalone website or an Active Rain outside blog, here are 11 things you MUST consider when creating an effective Real Estate Website...

1) Properties for sale, Properties for sale, Properties for sale

A quick trip to adwords will prove to you that searchers are NOT searching for Realtors on the web, they are looking for property. So if we KNOW that searchers are searching for property, why would be host a REALTOR web site, instead of a Real Estate Website… Answer? We Wouldn’t… would we.

2) Not a good IDX, but a Great IDX

Your IDX is the most useful tool on your site. This tool allows your reader to search every property on the MLS, and then contact YOU to learn about it… Great IDXs have super easy to use interfaces, with cool ways to sort porperties and terrain style maps… My fave? Diverse Solutions Why settle for a poor IDX, when the price difference between a poor IDX and a best of breed IDX is $20/month…

3) Up to date VALUABLE market info

As a Realtor that most common question you get asked is most likely “Hows the Market Doing?” How do you answer? Here’s the proper answer..” Well currently it is ….., but this is a unique and exciting market and it turns on a dime. Tell you what, if you want weekly, up-to-date market information emailed right to you, here’s my card, go to my website and subscribe. I send valuable info, weekly for no cost and no obligation…” Need the info to provide? There is NO ONE better than Altos Research.

4) Custom Neighborhood Content

No, not cut and pasted, regurgitated drip. Your personal opinions, and impressions describing what YOU love about each neighborhood. If you give YOUR honest opinions of a neighborhood, and one of your readers feels a bond with your opinion, could they really NOT choose you as their Realtor?

5) Micro Searches

Why would a Real Estate searcher use YOUR site to search, instead of a National site, like Zillow, or Trulia. Once they know which neighborhood they would like to buy in, give them a link to only search and receive updates on that neighborhood, then you have offered a service that very few, if any, other web sites will offer them… this is your compeitive advantage.

6) Interesting Dynamic Lists

Your readers love lists. Create a list for the 5 least expensive properties in your area,5 most expensive, 5 best values, (you can actually blog by phone from your weekly caravan and update a “This weeks breaking values” list.) Give your readers a reason to come back and check these lists, over, and over.

7) Your Voice As a Realtor

Your most important value is KNOWLEDGE. Use your website as a tool to show your Realtors that you are the Defacto authority regarding Real Estate in your market. Take quick notes of daily questions your clients are asking you, and post them to your web, with the answers you gave. You own the knowledge your prospects need. Give it away.

8 ) Subscription Button (RSS)

Give your readers the ability to subscribe to your pearls of wisdom. Once they subscribe, they will get all your updated info, when you update it.

9) Video… Add video to your website

Tips for first time homebuyers, Neighborhood walk arounds, Community events, etc. Video give your readers a chance to see your personality.

10) Contact Info, Contact Info, Contact Info…

Make your contact info SUPER Visable on your HOMEPAGE, (not a contact page) Make sure you list multiple ways to contact you. Phone, email, chat,etc. When web readers want to speak to you, don’t make them wait. Make sure they can fine the info easily, and make your self available by THEIR favorite method of Communication.

11) Call to Action

Tell you reader what YOU expect their next action to be. Sunscribe here!, For more detail call (XXX) XXX-XXXX, To receive weekly market reports, enter your email HERE!! Tell them specifically what you want them to do and give them the opportunity to do it easily, and immediatly!!

The Economic Recovery Has Begun!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:51:54 -0500

Hey Everybody,

Today, the Commerce Department announced that U.S. housing starts jumped a staggering 22.2 percent to an annual rate of 583,000 units last month. That is the biggest percentage rise since 1990.

Housing (banking) led us into this economic mess and it will be housing that leads us out of this mess...

Last week, CitiBank shocked everyone by turning a profit.

This week, home builders shocked everyone by actually building homes again. This announcement comes as the first gain in housing starts since April of last year.

Wall street understood the meaning of this announcement and posted a 178.73 point (2.48%) gain for the Dow, NASDAQ posted a 58.09 point (4.14%) gain, and the S&P 500 gained 24.23 points (3.13%) on the Commerce Department's great announcement.

All last week, I was reading stories by the various so called experts saying that this month's housing news from the Commerce Department will be more bad news... In reality, this day or this week may well mark the turning point in the market. 5 out of the last 6 Wall Street sessions ended the day in the green... The economic recovery has begun!

Here are some of today's stories.....
- Wall Street Journal - Home Building Rebounds While Wholesale Prices Rise
- CNN - Housing Starts Unexpectedly Surge
- Fox Business - Pleasant Surprise: Housing Starts Surge 22%
- Reuters - U.S. Housing Offers Hope For Economy
- Yahoo - Surprise Jump In Housing Starts Ignites Wall St. Rally

Peace,
-Bill

My New Baby!!!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:25:37 -0500

Hey Everybody!

My Son, Steven Michael Sauneuf, was born at 8:24pm on February 10th, 2009.

He weighed 8 Pounds, 15.1 Ounces and Measured 22 Inches Long.

Maggie and the Baby are both doing great!

Steve is about six weeks old now. How fast he's growing/developing is shocking! He's already outgrowing all of the 0 to 3 month clothes. He can roll over from his belly to his back on his own and in the last couple days he has learned how to smile.... Wow, can he melt your heart with that one...

Here are a few pictures:

I'm Baaaacccck!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:23:47 -0500

Hey Everybody!

I've been away from BLOGging for a while... Make that a long while...

My Wife Maggie and I had a baby on February 10th. With all the lead-up of her being pregnant and childbirth classes to take, and simply having to do more of the chores around the house there simply wasn't time for BLOGging.... Certainly at least there was not time to do it right.

Steve, our new baby is starting to get used to being in the world and Maggie and I are getting used to having him in our lives. Finally, a somewhat regular routine has developed and life is getting back to our version of normal - or something like that... ;-)

In short, I think I've got the time to BLOG again. I'm even getting enough sleep to be able to write something coherantly. So, like I said in the title.... "I'm Baaaacccck!"

If you're curious about Steve, look for my next BLOG, where the new and proud Dad will brag on his Son....

Peace,
-Bill

100% (Zero Down) Financing is Back!!!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:12:55 -0600

I got a great call Friday afternoon from a friend of mine at Prime Lending. He called to say that they have just released a 100% financing loan. Zero Down financing.

Reasonable income, Reasonable credit, Owner Occupied Home, no PMI. It comes in the form of a 95% first mortgage and a 5% second mortgage.

Has anyone else heard this kind of chatter from the lending industry? Are the banks finally interested in loaning money again?

Toy Run Before the Rains -- October 18, 2008

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:12:55 -0500

Here's your chance to do some good and have a great time riding!! You can help the children and the families helped by:
          - The Salvation Army of Anacortes,
          - Pregnancy Choices of Mount Vernon, and
          - Lydia Place of Bellingham (a Domestic Violence Shelter)

TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS - October 18, 2008 - Anacortes ELKS

YOU are invited to participate in the TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS
being put on by the Anacortes Elks #1204, Anacortes, Washington.

DATE: October 18, 2008

TIME: For Anacortes - Breakfast 8 am. Leave on Poker run 9-11 am. Return by 4pm for Poker Run results, Raffle and Chili / Spaghette (yum!). If leaving from Mount Vernon Elks or Bellingham Elks, leave time is still to be determined.

COST: Rider Registration - $25 per bike / per rider (bike with passenger = $50.00), includes BBQ. Breakfast $5.00 - All you can eat!
PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU PREREGISTER AT THE OYSTER RUN, IT ONLY COSTS $20 Per rider/per passenger!!!

WHO THIS BENEFITS: The children and families of Skagit and Whatcom Counties served by the Salvation Army (Anacortes, WA), Pregnancy Choices (Mount Vernon, WA), and Lydia Place (Bellingham WA - a domestic violence shelter)

PREREGISTRATION: We would like everyone to preregister at the Oyster Run (September 28, 2008 - Anacortes, WA). You can do this at the Elks Lodge, 1009-7th Street, just off Commercial

- OR -

MAIL IN REGISTRATION: Mail your check with your contact info, including complete name, address and phone number to:

          TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS COMMITTEE
          Anacortes Elks #1204
          1009 - 7th Street
          Anacortes, WA 98221-4105

See the Official Toy Run Before the Rains web-site for more details!

The Oyster Run is Coming to Anacortes!!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:58:20 -0500

Sunday Spetember 28, 2008
(Though Many People Enjoy the Full Weekend)

For the Best Information about the Oyster Run, please visit the official web-site at: http://www.oysterrun.org/

The Oyster Run is an annual Motorcycle Rally in Anacortes. Thousands of motorcyclists and guests will be there for the fun!!

It is the Largest Motorcycle Run In The Pacific Northwest!!

Check it out, you'll be glad you did!!

-Bill

My Meeting with the Governor!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:36:35 -0500

well, the future Governor anyway....

My Dad and I went to the Skagit Speedway this evening to watch the Coach Corral Season Championship Races.

Dino Rossi came to the event too! He seemed to be having a great time. He was up in the announcing booth. He waved the Green Flag to start one of the championship races. He went around meeting people, shaking hands, and posing for pictures with people... I was one of them!

We had a brief conversation.

I said "When you beat her again in this election, please make sure it counts! Leave no doubt in the spread."

Dino's response "We're going to finish what we started."

That was really about it, other than the photo-op.

He's a nice man that came out to the track with two of his kids, Jake and Joseph, and had a good time.

He had my vote 4 years ago and he will have it again in 2008.

Go Dino!!

Only 8 Days until the 2008 SICBA Home Tour | Skagit County Washington

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:17:04 -0500

The 4th Annual Skagit Island County Builder Association Home Tour is coming in 8 days!

September 12, 13, 14    2008
- Friday           Noon - 6:00pm
- Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm
- Sunday   11:00am - 5:00pm

The first home on the tour is a listing of mine. It is a beautiful home built by Chaffey Homes. The plan is called the 'Sheadon'. It is a 5 bedroom, 3.5 Bathroom, 3,731 Square Foot home with a beautiful view of Otter Pond. Click Here for the Full Details.

Here is the page from the 2008 SICBA Home Tour's Tour Book.

Driving Directions:
From I-5, take the #227 exit, go East on College Way to State Highway 9, South approximately 2.7 miles to Nookachamp Hills Development on the left. Turn left on Nookachamp Hills Drive to top of hill and continue on. The Chaffey homesite is to the left, viewing Otter Pond.

We Hope to See You There!

Things are picking-up!!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:19:24 -0500

Business is picking-up!! My appointment windows for this weekend are all booked solid. Between 2 Open Houses and a group of Buyer appointments it is going to be a busy weekend! Wohoo!!

How is business where you are? I keep seeing posts about the market has bottomed and business is picking up, etc...

In my area, Skagit County Washington, I'm seeing a lot more "Sold" and "Sale Pending" signs, especially in the lower third of the market. Again, Wohoo!!

I'm not trying to brag, I'm trying to see just how wide-spread this market rebound is! The market is clearly stabilizing. The post I did last week about 30 States had Positive Changes in House Prices over the last year!" clearly demonstrates that the rebound has begun... I'd like to get a feel for just how far it is going to go.

Good News for Washington Real Estate!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:47:01 -0500

Washington State has had a pretty slow year for real estate sales. The number of sold homes is well down on the year from last year's great run. There are several areas that have seen overall price declines in the last year. There has been plenty of depressing news in the media. - Depressing, I know... but read on, it gets better!

There is plenty of GOOD news to report on the Wshington State Real Estate Market as well.

According to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) 2nd Quarter 2008 House Price Index, Home prices across the State gained .56%. That's not saying much.

However, if you look at the past 5 years, Washington State home prices have STILL gained 61.4%.

If you want to look even farther back; Since 1980 home prices in Washington State have gone up an amazing 405%

Looking at the last year period ending June 30th, 2008, Washington State currently ranks 30th in Percent Change in House Prices. However, Washington State has performed better than ALL 29 of the higher ranking states over the last 5 years. Washington State has performed better than 28 of those States since 1980.

Buying real estate is supposed to be a long term investment. Real estate is not stock. You don't sell it on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis! At a minimum real estate should be a 3-5 year investment for it to pay off well.

Metropolitan Statistical Area	National Ranking	1 Year	Last Quarter	5 Year
Bellingham	146	0.34	-1.46	73.00
Bremerton-Silverdale	185	-1.04	-0.91	70.49
Kennewick-Pasco-Richland	74	2.27	0.78	19.18
Longview	188	-1.27	-2.04	51.91
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	181	-0.80	-2.98	62.62
Olympia	162	-0.14	-1.73	66.22
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton	163	-0.18	-1.04	61.00
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett	154	0.07	-0.91	60.42
Spokane	53	3.03	-0.04	66.66
Tacoma	183	-1.01	-1.60	64.58
Wenatchee	71	2.37	-0.21	75.56
Yakima	16	4.71	1.26	36.74

As you can see, the Last Quarter has seen price declines in most local markets. When you look at the 1 Year outlook for the State, the market has been basically flat... Some local markets markets are up, some are down.

The big news is in looking back over 5 years, a much more reasonable time for a real estate investment. In that period, 9 out of the 12 local markets in Washington State GAINED OVER 60% despite the currently flat market (the 3 ALL gained as well, just not as much).

Again, it bears repeating, real estate is not stock! It is a long-term investment Looking back to 1980, only 10 States have out-performed Washington State for the house prices percentage gains.... That ain't bad!

Agents. Are you experiencing a market rebound? I work primarily in Skagit County and we have seen a big turn-around. The July Statistics from the NWMLS Residential Home Recap showed Skagit County gaining 3.92% over last July. My sales have been up in August. What's happening in your area?

The News Media is starting to See the Housing Recovery/Rebound!!!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:32:36 -0500

Over the last few days, I've been Pointing out the GOOD news in the Real Estate Market. The media is starting to recognize the recovery/rebound!!

There is a lot of GOOD news out there to be found!

Here are some examples:

Existing-homes sales rise, inventory swells Reuters August 25th, 2008
Home Prices Still Falling, but the Pace Is Slowing New York Times, August 27th, 2008
US housing sales increase in July BBC News, August 25th, 2008
US government 'bazooka' may save Fannie, Freddie AFP, August 30th, 2008
Existing Home Sales Increased 3.1 Percent in July Bloomberg.com, August 25th, 2008
US house figures in surprise rise BBC News, August 7th, 2008
Good News for California Housing Los Angeles Times, August 20th, 2008

With all of the GOOD news out there, its becoming clear that The Housing Market is Rebounding!

Have you seen POSITIVE stories in the news? There are more out there, please point them out here!!

Good News for California Real Estate!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:05:28 -0500

The problems of the California Real Estate market are affecting the real estate markets of the entire country. Something needs to be done about it! So I'm going to try to help start the recovery by pointing out the good news.

Attn. California agents; Are you seeing an increase in Buyer Activity since President Bush signed the Housing Bill at the end of July?? I'd love to hear about it!! Please comment about it, blog about it, and most importantly tell your customers about it! A grassroots marketing campaign to get the market rolling again can make a huge difference!

For this blog, I'm going to talk about the bad news, then I'll point out the GOOD news. - Yes, there is GOOD news in California Real Estate!

We can't ignore the bad news end expect to have credibility when talking about the good news. So, here's the bad news of California...

Of the 50 States, California was the worst performing state for the Percent Change in house prices for the 4 Quarter period ending June 30, 2008. The market price of homes fell 15.8% over the last 4 quarters.
Of the 292 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Divisions measured by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, 12 or the 20 worst performing areas were in California, including ALL of the bottom 6.
Home prices in both Merced and Stockton California fell over 30% in the last 4 quarters.

Wow, that part sucked! There are a lot of people that have been hurt by this year's market. My parents live in California, so do my Grandparents, so do my Cousins, so do many of my friends. I was born and raised there. I care a lot about California and the people there!

Enough of the doom and gloom. Here's the good news!

EVERY Market in California had prices rise in California over the last 5 years. Real Estate is not stock. You don't buy and sell it on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis... It is a long term investment!

Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Divisions	5-Year

Bakersfield	61.58
Chico	41.66
Fresno	47.50
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale (MSAD)	63.12
Madera	54.99
Merced	8.57
Modesto	15.15
Napa	30.79
Oakland-Fremont-Hayward (MSAD)	28.79
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura	37.14
Redding,	47.06
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario	47.23
Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville	22.07
Salinas	24.21
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos	27.60
San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City (MSAD)	36.73
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara	35.72
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles	34.88
Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine (MSAD)	45.10
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta	21.92
Santa Cruz-Watsonville	30.86
Santa Rosa-Petaluma	20.75
Stockton	9.54
Vallejo-Fairfield	17.63
Visalia-Porterville	60.45
Yuba City	29.45

Los Angeles, one of the largest markets in the Country has Still had a 63.12% price increase over the last 5 years.
Merced and Stockton, the 2 hardest hit markets in the Country still have gained value over the last 5 years.

Do you think California is going to stay down forever? The draw of California, its people, its natural beauty, its educational system, its agricultural and manufacturing base, the Silicon Valley, the Napa Wine Country, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, etc... Ha, California's real estate market will come back strong, and soon! It wouldn't surprise me if California goes from worst to first in a year or two.

Yesterday, I wrote a blog about the fact that there is good news about Florida's Real Estate Market.

California Agents, please speak-up!!

Good News for Florida Real Estate!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:56:56 -0500

The Florida Real Estate Market Is Having A Terrible Year.

(Please read-on, the story gets much more positive!!)

Everybody knows this. Its no surprise.

Florida has the third worst real estate market in the country. Only California and Nevada are worse off.

Overall, Florida Real Estate Prices have fallen 12.4% in the last 12 months.

The 'Sky is Falling' on Florida Real Estate and we're coming into hurricane season.

How can a real estate agent make it in Florida? By finding the GOOD and telling people about it. A lot!

"Prices have fallen in the Great State of Florida, what better opportunity to 'Buy Low and Sell High!' There are great bargains to be had."

Of the 20 worst performing markets in the country over the last year, Florida has 7 of them. However, real estate is a long term investment. ALL 7 of these markets have STILL experienced at least a 30% gain over the last 5 years, despite the troubles over the last year according to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight 2nd Quarter 2008 House Price index (page 27) Real Estate is not stock. You're not supposed to sell it on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis. Looking at Florida, you don't have to hold it for 5 years to be very profitable, despite the troubles of the last year.

Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Divisions	5-Year

Naples-Marco Island,	45.2
Port St. Lucie,	33.58
Cape Coral-Fort Myers,	37.49
Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach, (MSAD)	49.87
Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice,	37.80
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville,	45.07
Punta Gorda,	33.42

The Nation's housing market is about to get a big shot in the arm from the recently signed Housing Bill. Florida Real Estate will not stay down forever. It is too good a place to live! Buyers will start coming out when they feel the bottom is near. They'll start buying the best deals and the market WILL RECOVER.

All Real Estate Is Local...

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:10:15 -0500

No, this is not a book review of David Lereah's Book. I've not even read it yet, but from what I've seen on-line it does look good. I'm ordering it from Amazon tomorrow.

I was inspired to write this post by a guy named Kevin. He wrote the only negative comments on my blog post from yesterday about the 30 States that had Positive Changes over the last year!

His comments got under my skin a little. I knew he was wrong about a great many things, but he made me think. Mainly I was thinking about how to prove him wrong or to argue my points well, but I actually had to think about it.

One of the things that he threw at me was: Just like when the pollyannas try to silence the realists with the message "all real estate is local". - I really didn't have to think about that one. It is so clearly a true statement that I only had to look up data to prove him wrong... The argument was easy. There are markets that are good and there are markets that are bad in every State. There always have been and there always will be. They will always be changing.

The media has been reporting the troubles of the real estate industry and they should.. It is newsworthy. However, the stories I've seen/heard/watched almost all seem to make it look like the housing market is bad everywhere. Its not, of course. But, that's the message that has been reported.

I've not seen a national story that says anything "More than half of the States had Real Estate Prices Go Up over the last year" (which is true).

When I was responding to Kevin, I looked up his State, Virginia, in the 2nd Quarter 2008 OFHEO House Price Index just released this week. Virginia is the perfect example of "all real estate is local." There are 8 Metropolitan Statistical Areas covering areas of Virginia in the report. 4 of them had price increases, 4 had price decreases over the last year. The worst market in the State of Virginia had a pretty bad year, ranking 250th of the 292 areas measured. However, in the same State of Virginia, the Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol market was the 14th Best of the same 292 areas measured. Virginia is a pretty small state geographicly, but to have such a huge range of market conditions within that same small State clearly demonstrates the message "All Real Estate Is Local."

Consumer Confidence Improves for the 2nd Month in a Row

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:23:59 -0500

On August 26th, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index had improved moderately in July. It made further gains in August.

This is one more sign that the housing market is rebounding. People spend more as confidence goes up. Consumer confidence is not as good as it was in December, but a rebound starts at the bottom...

2 months in a row the numbers have increased. We'll just have to wait until September 30th to see if this trend will continue. I believe it will. The optimism that comes with election time will spur on the market and a new President always gives the economy a boost (no matter which party they are from).

Look for the signs in your area. The housing market is rebounding on a national scale. Yesterday, I spoke about the 30 States had Positive Changes in House Prices over the last year! Look for the positive information and discuss it with the people in your office, your competitors, and especially your customers and the public! A few days ago, I posted a Reuters News video called "Housing shows signs of life" that talks about how the worst is over.

Are you feeling the confidence returning? Is your market improving?

Seahawks Smashed the Raiders.... pre-season is finally over!!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:21:50 -0500

Well, the Seahawks just finished beating up the Raiders 23-16.... Unfortunately it wasn't much of a challenge.

But the real news is that NFL Football will Start Next Thursday, September 4th! The Superbowl Champion New York Giants hosting the Washington Redskins.

Yee ha, Football is Back!!

Who's going to take it all this year?? Will the Patriots go for an undefeated season again? Will the Giants repeat (hell no!)? Will Brett Favre do something special with the Jets? - Damn that sounds wierd to say!!

30 States had Positive Changes in House Prices over the last year!

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:44:24 -0500

More good news for the real estate industry!!

According to the Office of Federal Housing Oversight's Housing Price Index for the 2nd Quarter of 2008 released August 26th, 30 of the 50 States had positive changes in house prices from June 2007 through June 2008, including our very own Washington State!

Only 4 States (Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and California) experienced overall price declines of more than 5 percent.

The 20 ranked cities in the United States with the worst price declines over the last 4 quarters were ALL in Florida, California, and Nevada.

I really do sympathize with the people of these four fine States. Some of the price declines they have experienced are simply horrible! However, there are 50 States and only 4 with truly bad news for the last year. The rest of the country is simply experiencing a market correction from a rapid increase over the last 5 years combined with some sloppy loan practices that hurt the lending industry. The United States overall had a -1.71% change over the last year (skewed down heavily by the 4 troubled States). However, even with the challenges over the last year, the United States STILL has had a 34.84% increase in home prices over the last 5 years! - How is that supposed to be bad???

Over the last 5 years, Arizona STILL gained 62.68%, Florida STILL gained 54.03%, Nevada STILL Gained 50.81%, and California STILL gained 41.81% despite the losses of the last 4 quarters.

It is time for the news media to put away the "Chicken Little - The Sky is Falling" type stories. The truth is that the nation's real estate market is rebounding.

- I've posted the top 30 States in the comments section, CLICK HERE to see them.

A Housing Shortage in Skagit County?

Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:22:40 -0500

Since President Bush signed the Housing Bill on July 30th, I've experienced a huge surge in business! I was curious to see if it was simply me having some good results, or if there has been a shift in the market. I ran a search of homes for sale in Mt. Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro Woolley priced under $300,000. There are currently 422 Active listings in the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). There are an additional 101 homes that have Contingent/Pending transactions on them. That is a very healthy number! It indicates that a Seller's Market is on the way! A healthy market is generally regarded as having 6 months of inventory. Assuming that all of the Contingent/Pending transactions close in the next 30 days, we'll have a shortage of homes under $300,000. There would be just over a 4 month inventory of homes. Market swings generally begin in the lower price ranges. After all, to buy a bigger or better home most people need to sell a smaller or less expensive one.

The July 2008 sales for all of Skagit County Residential Homes showed a 3.92% price increase over last July's sales prices. The number of Closed Sales is still significantly less than we had last year, but the Pending Sales figures for July are much more in balance with last year's numbers. All of the signs are there for a market that is rebounding in a big way! Consumer confidence is going up. Sales are going up. Prices are going up.

The news media will probably catch on to this in the next couple months. The doom and gloom stories are already disappearing and are now being replaced with the "Glimmer of Hope" and "Good News for a Troubled Market" type stories. Next, we'll likely see the "Rebounding Market" stories...

If you've been waiting for the market to "bottom out" before you buy, look around and you'll find that it is happening right now.