Leonard Fialdini

I like to answer this question with a few of my own.

Are you purchasing as an investment or something to live in?
If an investment, then I would agree with most everyone who has responded. Yards (square footage) add to the value of a lot)

If something for yourself then....What do you prefer?
Purchase the property that you most want to work with. Something that will give you joy. Purchasing a home over a condo will increase in value at a greater rate anyway and keep in mind, there is always a buyer for the type of home you have. Just make sure it is in the right price range! - Wed Apr 2 2008, 14:26

Michelle,

I live near Aurora around the 90th street area. We have a 5 month old and love our community. Because Mark is correct that we need to be careful in what we say, I always direct my clients to criminal stat sites and the sex offenders lists. It is a great way to view what is going on and make the decision for yourself.

Some History:
North Seattle and Shoreline are seeing a huge change in their landscape as Townhome Units are replacing a lot of old rental and dilapidated homes. The Dept of Transportation is expecting 1.5 million people to move to Seattle by the year 2015 so I would assume that this trend will continue as many of these people will want to live close to downtown as possible. Housing for these homes in our area has sky rocketed in the past few years, leveling off (not dropping) this year due to our current economic condition. I can only imagine that the development will continue, albiet at a slower pace, but still providing change to our ever growing community.

I hope this information helps
http://ml.waspc.org/Results.aspx?SearchValue=seattle&Selecte…
http://www.metrokc.gov/sheriff/news/crime_statistics/ - Fri Mar 28 2008, 10:51

Well, since we as licensed real estate agents are not allowed to STEER anyone in any neighborhood direction based on crime, education or demographics, I always like to provide a link for the educational system that the Seattle Times provides to the public. http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/schoolguide/ ENJOY! - Mon Mar 17 2008, 10:43

Alex,

Seattle is not in a "bubble" as most people think, I am actually tired and frustrated with the media about how the housing is in a crisis. Yes it is in most places, however, here in Seattle we are not. Sound Transit is predicting 1.5 million people to move to the Seattle area by the year 2015, this came from their research on the light rail program, I am trying to find the link for you - great data.

Anyway, with prices the way they are right now, I would say that this is a perfect time to buy. I believe the market will continue to increase over the next several years. Now mind you, nothing like we have seen in the past which have been pushing 10-14% increases in property valuations. The NWMLS published reports that our values are UP 3%, thus still holding a positive market. It is a Buyers Market and prices have dropped, but valuations are still holding strong.

A lot of agents/contractors/builders that I know - are currently buying whatever they can at the moment for Rental properties and investments. The market is flooded with "short sale" (pre-foreclosure) opportunities (bank selling house for less than what is owed on it) and if you can find the right one, you may be able to capture some instant equity. But you need to have patience. - Fri Feb 29 2008, 13:06