A tale of two real estate markets; the luxury market and the rest of us.

Though it says the luxury market is going up and the rest of the market is going down it's not a complete picture. In Seattle the most desirable areas have low inventory and some homes are getting multiple offers. Just ask my clients who have been outbid on 2 homes already. Still, it's an interesting story. Click here to see the entire article.

The mortgage interest tax break is under scrutiny.

There is a lot of talk about eliminating the tax break for mortgage interest deductions. This will certainly impact those who get the most benefit, namely the younger, higher-wage-earner homeowners who buy a more expensive home with a higher mortgage. I think eliminating this for 2nd/3rd and investment properties wouldn't be such a bad idea. It's funny in the article that all those quoted are getting this break currently. Click here to read the entire article.

King county sales up more than 30% but median prices hardly move.

Single family home sales are up more than 30% August-over-August but the median prices remain flat. Eventually the increased sales will translate into higher prices. The slower luxury market (over $1m) has also kept the median prices down. Condos continue to struggle and now is a great time to get a good deal on a condo. Click here to see the full article.

Home prices up in the Seattle area for June 2011!

Case-Shiller reported home prices up in the King/Snohomish/Pierce counties combined, which is fantastic news, especially considering the challenges the outer areas are facing with Short-Sales and Foreclosures. All but one of the 20 metro areas that Case-Shiller watches had increases in June. Click here for the entire article.