According the NWMLS statistics data, the median sales value of homes in Thurston county have appreciated on average approximately  9% annually in the past 7 years. Even though appreciation rates dropped by about 50% compared to last year, an appreciation rate of 5% (as of Nov 07) is still a healthy growth, especially considering that some counties have median home prices which have dropped compared to 2006.

However, fewer homes have sold this year, compared to last year: 3708 as of November 2007 compared to 4363 as of November 2006. the average time a home spends on the market has increased from 60 days in November 2006 YTD to 82 days in November 2007 YTD.

This illustrates that the national news media reports aren't an adequate source for local market conditions.

Sandy Nelson
Realtor for Olympia area real estate
www.sandynelsonrealestate.com