2016 is out like a gone thing and 2017 is here. The weather is downright chilly, but from what I can see, the market hasn’t really noticed. We had a couple quieter weeks there in December, but things are picking right back up now that the holidays are over. It’s going to be an interesting year.
If you feel like the Seattle market was particularly adventurous last year, you aren’t wrong. The October numbers from Case – Shiller show Seattle with a 10.7% year-over-year increase in housing prices. That’s great for sellers, and while it could be rough for potential investors, it comes at the same time we’re continuing to have the biggest rent increases in the country. Potential first time buyers are the ones who are going to have the hardest time this year, but with their rent going up, it’s looking like a choice between the proverbial rock and hard place.
My resolutions for this year involve teaching more seminars, talking to more people, and petting more cats. I’d resolve to drink more tea, but I think I’m already fairly close to peak tea consumption.
What does 2017 portend for you?