November New Construction Market Report

If you’re hoping for a brand new Maple Valley home before Christmas, you’re most likely going to have to choose from one of the 26 completed New Construction properties currently on the market. Of the 91 Active Residential Single Family new constructions properties listed through NWMLS, less than 30% are finished, move-in ready homes. Approximately 36% are presales (where the builder will not begin construction until a contract is mutually agreed) and the balance are homes currently under-construction.

Typically buyers are able to negotiate their best deal with a builder when a home is finished and completed. So whether it’s an interest rate buy-down, backyard landscaping & fence, after-market upgrades….your agent should be able to help you negotiate a strong deal in this market.

 

Here is the breakdown on New Construction Activity through November.  This report is for 2008 built Single Family homes in the Maple Valley market which are listed through NWMLS.

 

                              Active Listings:  91           Average List Price: $454,063     

Pending Sales:  10            Average List Price: $$423,569

Sold (last 6 mo) 47           Average List Price: $383,044

Many builders in the Maple Valley market will have proprietary forms and sale procedures which differ from a “resale” purchase. It is wise for anyone who is considering purchasing new construction to work with a real estate professional who can guide them through the process. Not only will a buyer’s agent experienced in New Construction be able to help you negotiate from a stronger position, they will sometimes be able to speak about past client’s experience with different builders post sale….which is something you should always take into consideration!

Kent Easthill Custom Home on 1 Acre-Price Reduced!

This home sold in ten days but then the buyers got cold feet and walked away. This is a great opportunity for a BIG custom home on acreage. This 4 Bedroom plus Bonus Room Two Story is located on 1.07 acres, close-in on Kent’s Easthill. With over 3500 square feet, the floorplan is spacious with wide hallways and oversized

rooms. The main floor features sunken Living & Family Rooms, vaulted ceilings w/ tray details and a main floor Den/4th Bedroom. Upstairs all bedrooms are spacious, including the Master Suite which has a sumptuous 5 piece bath w/ jetted tub. The Bonus Room offers lots of flexibility for the new owner’s use…home schooling, theater room, play room? Loaded with custom touches such as built-in window seats, cabinet pull-outs, walk-in pantry and laundry chute, this home is a must-see value in today’s market! Take the virtual tour for more photos

New on the Market Taylor Creek Chalet + Shop 2.58 Acres

One of a kind piece of property where you can work AND play from home year ’round! A-frame style home overlooks a park-like setting where Taylor Creek meanders past the house. Vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows bring the beauty of the natural outdoor setting indoors. The floorplan consists of 2 BR on the main floor and Master Suite upstairs with a large loft. Master has a balcony overlooking front of the home. The home also has a daylight basement with unfinished storage area, temperature controlled wine cellar & in-home office with separate outside entry.

The current owners have applied for and been granted a permit for a Sun-Room addition on the Eastside of the home. Sellers will pass this on to new buyers if they would like.

The shop is 24×60 and is 2 story height. (Owners designed it this way in case a 2nd floor was ever needed). The property is wired for cameras. The home OnQ smart wired for security, wired for intercom & surround sound and has a 16k Auto Generator. Much much more….

Additional information

 

YTD October Maple Valley Market Stats ‘07 vs ‘08

These numbers reflect single family homes listed and sold through NWMLS and do not represent any “by owner” transactions which may have closed.

Through October 31, 2007 there were 678 homes closed with the average sales price being $438,802

Through October 31, 2008 there were 427 homes closed with the average sales price being $398,154

On average Prices have fallen 9% and there have been 37% fewer sales.

Glacier Park Elementary named “School of Distinction”

Yet another feather in the Tahoma School District’s cap…..Glacier Park Elementary school has been named a School of Distinction by the office of State Superintendent of Public Schools. 

State Superintendent Terry Bergeson said

“Students and teachers and schools continue to make incredible progress,” Bergeson said. “This award celebrates the real gains these schools have made, gains that aren’t recognized by the federal No Child Left Behind law or its ‘Adequate Yearly Progress’ calculations.”

The Tahoma School District continues to be a strong draw to families relocating to the greater Seattle area. High WASL scores along with relatively more affordable housing (compared to districts closer to Seattle/Bellevue) means “more house for the money”.

Congratulations to the Administration, Teachers and Students who have worked hard for this honor of distinction!

 

 

  Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990 but specializes in the Maple Valley Washington area. .She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400

Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved Colleen Fischesser