Ballardblog.com

Seattle has been touted as one of the cities bucking the trend of the declining real estate market.   Until recently experts were quick to point at the fact that Seattle has a limited landscape for additional housing, which has kept prices strong in the area.  We have been lucky to have been able to ride the wave as long as we did, but we have definitely run out of steam.  

How do I know?  I have my own more personal yardstick that measures the downturn even Seattle is now experiencing.   I no longer receive the letters and postcards from investors telling me they would be very interested in directly buying my house if I were interested in selling it.  My Ballard location, combined with a large lot size, has brought a lot of attention in this form over the years since I purchased it.   Now I cannot remember the last time I received a buy letter, and even the marketing literature from agents wanting to represent me if I enter the market has dwindled significantly.   Similar to the warning signs of companies cutting out the free sodas and gourmet coffee prior to a layoff, these small signs are as telling as any real estate study or statistic.