Bi-Polar Market

Bi-polar Market

We all know the Market is hot right now.  Burning hot in some areas of the country, but did you also know that home ownership rates are nearing record lows?  According to realtormag, the first quarter of this year's home ownership plummeted to 63.6 percent, the third lowest on record.  With that said home builders say they are finally ready to build more new homes.  NAHB forecasters predict that single-family production will see a 14 percent uptick this year to 812,000 units, and then rise another 19 percent to 964,000.  Are you confused yet?  Just wait it gets better. 

New York Fed President and CEO William C. Dudley stated that "the housing market should remain on a solid trajectory, supported by rising employment and low mortgage rates. I continue to anticipate that consumption and housing activity will expand at a moderate pace this year."  Which all sounds really good, except lots of real estate agents like Marianne Guenther Bornhoft are a little scared.  "I'm a little scared that people are going to, again, get ahead of themselves."  Aaron Cunningham, owner of the Citibroker firm, has similar worries.  "I'm making more money today than I ever have, However, when times are good , it's really easy to get stupid."  Many agents don't feel we have a sustainable market right now but they also don't think it's a bubble either.  So what is it that's happening right now?  Inventory is down, prices are up, bidding wars are becoming the new norm, mortgage rates are not rising, the economy is coming back, and with all this the market looks a little like it did before the last crash.   What The Hell!

What does it all mean?  I'm not really sure but what I do know is we all (buyers, sellers and agents) need to be careful. Be aware that all the normal rules still apply so don't get crazy or emotional about selling or buying your home.    Always let logic rule and make sure you have an agent that knows what they are doing.  Good luck out there.

 

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Fun in the Sun

Thurston County Fun

The Sun is shining, the Mountain is visible, the birds are chirping and everyone is happy again.  I thought this would be a great week to write about some of the really cool things going on in and around Thurston County.  We have some amazing hiking trails from beginner to advanced and some even including rock climbing - if that’s your thing.  Check out co.thurston.wa.us/parks/trails.htm and go explore.

If botanical gardens are more your thing, Thurston County offers many such as the Japanese gardens in Olympia to the rose gardens in Lacey.  Go to http://www.olympialiving.com/attractions/botanical-gardens-in-olympia.htm and enjoy the blooming spring.

Thurston County is a haven for family friendly actives.  There is too too much to list it here but go to http://www.soundsfunmom.com/100-places-to-take-kids-in-south-puget-sound/ for cool stuff to do on a sunny day.  If you're working within a budget, and lets face it most of us parents are, go to http://www.thurstontalk.com>activities for free stuff to do with kids in Thurston county. 

As you can see you don’t have to go far from home to have fun around here.  I am listing a few more links below so check them out and then go have fun in your community.

visitthurstoncounty.com

thurstontalk.com

blogs.evergreen.edu

thurstonchamber.com

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Farmers Markets

Framers Market

Spring has finally sprung in the Pacific North West and who doesn’t love to walk around a really good farmers market on a really nice day.  It’s a great way to support your local farmers, artists and creative entrepreneurs.  There are quite a few nice framers markets in Thurston County.

Yelm Farmers Market: Open Sundays 10AM to 3PM starting May 22^nd.  The Yelm farmers market is all about community.  They have a tent called taste the place maned by volunteers were you can taste the fresh fruit and produce of the farmers selling at the market and then go buy from the ones you enjoy.  They also have a program for kids called POP.  It’s for kids ages 5-12 and it helps them to learn about and engage with the local business in their community.  Yelm framers market support local artist and entrepreneurs as well.  It’s a great way to meet new people and make some healthy choices. Come and check them out at Nisqually Springs Farm.  yelmfarmersmarket.com

 

Olympia Framers Market:  Open all year round on Saturday’s 10AM to 3PM but starting April 7th till October they are open Thursday thru Sunday 10AM to 3PM.  The Olympia farmers market has been around for 41 years.  They have an abundance of local farmers and artisans.  There are also quite a few restaurants and cafes as well as live entertainment and events throughout the year.  They are located at 700 N Capital way in Olympia so come spend the day discovering this gem.  olympiafarmersmarket.com

West Olympia Farmers Market:  Open on Tuesdays from 4PM till 7PM.  This is your neighborhood market supporting small and beginning vendors.  They are located at west central park on the corner of Division and Harrison streets.  Even though this is one of the newer markets it is worth the visit.  wolympiafarmersmarket.com

Going to check out your local farmers market is not only a good way to get to know your neighborhood and support local businesses but it is just a really fun way to spend the day. If you are looking for farmers markets in Washington go to wafarmersmarkets.com.  Get out, get healthy and have fun.

 

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com