Home prices up for 2nd month in Seattle, the bottom might be behind us according to the Case-Shiller report in this Seattle Times article.

OK, there are 2 stories in this article, the last more interesting (and important) than the first in my opinion. The first article tells why more home offers fell through in 2009 than in the past (short-sales and impatient buyers, in a nut-shell). The second article says that area home prices (King/Pierce/Snohomish counties) are up for a second month in a row. This might be a trend and the bottom might have come and gone. Click here to read both articles in this Seattle Times article on home sales.

Home sales up in 2009 over 2008, but not by much according to this Seattle Times article.

Anything is better than nothing, right? I do believe so. Since last June the number of year-0ver-year sales has increased leading to a year-end total of more sales than in 2008. Condos didn't fare as well. Click here to read the entire article from the Seattle Times on the increase of home sales in 2009.

Cash is king when buying Real Estate. Jump in home purchases with cash in Seattle Times article.

I knew this was coming, that cash buyers would be able to get some great deals and wouldn't have to worry about any financing concerns. Cash sales for all of last year averaged @8%, up from 7% during 2008. December 2009 jumped to 22%. It will be interesting to see what January brings, more of the same? You would think that all cash deals would also reflect great discounts but not true in Seattle, discounts hovered @10%. Click here to read the entire Seattle Times article on cash only offers.

Interest rates will go up, but probably only to @ 6% according to this Seattle Times article.

Rates have been historically but that was only because of government backed securities. With the Fed winding down that program rates will go up. Even 6% is still a great rate, just not as good as 5%. If you are thinking of buying, now is the time... Click here to see the entire Seattle Times article on interest rates.