Smaller homes becoming more in demand.

For the first time in 14 years the median home is shrinking in size. This is largely due to buyers wanting to keep home costs as a minimum, from the purchase price to the utility bills and upkeep. Small is the new big. Click here to read the entire Seattle Times article on smaller homes.

Today's Real Estate realities; buy what you can afford, get a fixed-rate loan and your home is not a piggy bank. Sellers...be patient.

We are back to the way it was post WWII. Reality has set in and the pendulum is almost where it should be and we are back to requiring a down payment, verifying income and making sure the borrower is in good standing. Click here to read the good Seattle Times and Associated Press article on today's Real Estate realities.

Great renovation stories.

I love it when a good remodel is done a house with lots of potential. Click here to see some great examples. I hope you find inspiration in some of these stories.

Sales in pricier West Bellevue and Queen Anne up dramatically.

Sales are up in both those pricier areas due to confidence of higher-end buyers and the high number of first-time buyers, which allows the upper end buyers to move forward. Many of the purchases in West Bellevue/Medina were short sales, of which some may not close even though they have an offer on them. My listing in Enatai, just south of downtown Bellevue, is getting more internet hits and starting to see more activity. Click here to see the entire Seattle Times article on the increase of home sales in the higher-end areas.

State economist says signs of recession end still there.

Positive growth and slowing unemployment figures continue to be better this month signaling the end of the recession. Click here to see the entire Seattle Times article on the ending recession.

Housing in 2012? Seattle predicted to be up by 4.5%. See slide #8.

Housing will be much different by 2012. Major issues will be local governing concerns, not national credit issues. Click here to see the entire MSNBC story about where housing will be by 2012.

The recession is over...according to a Seattle Times article.

The Seattle Times and Marketwatch reports that the recession is over according to a continued rise in manufacturing demand. Though it is officially "over" it will still take time for jobs to return and once those jobs are filled then consumers will feel free to spend, really bringing us back to a balanced market. Click here to see the entire article on the recession ending from the Seattle Times and Marketwatch.